VIENNA, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The federal government of Austria decided on Friday to introduce a social media ban for students up to the age of 14, the Austrian news agency APA reported.
Starting in the 2027/28 school year, this reform will provide more instruction in media literacy, democracy, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for students.
According to the related documents, the Ministry of Education and its partners in the education field have agreed that schools can autonomously decide whether to teach media literacy as a separate subject or as part of a combined curriculum.
The real-name policy will not be implemented, APA reported, adding that the federal government, however, is committed to stricter enforcement of the disclosure of existing user data by social media platforms in cases of serious offenses, and to strengthening cooperation between platforms and authorities in prosecuting perpetrators.
According to the ministry's plan, computer science instruction will be supplemented with AI, helping students understand how digital systems function and recognize their potential and risks.
Meanwhile, the new compulsory subject "Media and Democracy" will focus on the benefits of both traditional and social media. Students will also learn to distinguish between truth and falsehood and to identify anti-democratic and radicalizing influences. ■
