Momentum demands immediate action: Malta must protect youth now, not wait for big tech to act

Momentum is urging the Maltese government to take immediate, decisive action to protect children from the harmful effects of social media. Waiting for social media giants to self-regulate is completely useless; Malta must act today to immediately safeguard our youths.

Tech companies have proven they will consistently prioritise profits over children’s well-being. They will not change their addictive algorithms or toxic platforms out of goodwill, and will only react when faced with overwhelming backlash from a united, global front.

As was suggested in our 2026 General Election Manifesto, by joining the growing international movement to restrict social media access for young children under the age of 16, Malta can achieve two crucial goals:

• Immediately protecting our youths: Shielding vulnerable children today from cyberbullying, unrealistic social pressures, and severe impacts on their mental health, concentration, and sleep.
• Building critical global pressure: Adding Malta’s voice to the international backlash required to force Big Tech to change its ways.

Momentum notes that a critical mass is already forming. Countries like Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the UK are introducing age-based restrictions, with similar discussions sweeping across Europe in Norway, Denmark, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, and Greece.

“Waiting on social media platforms to voluntarily protect our children is a lost cause,” said Mark Camilleri Gambin, General Secretary of Momentum. “These tech giants refuse to dial down their addictive features and will only capitulate when enough countries push back. Malta needs to join this international movement right now. Doing so not only adds to the massive global pressure needed to force their hand, but more importantly, it throws an immediate, protective shield around our youths today.”

The longer Malta delays, the longer our children remain exposed to exploitation by algorithms designed to addict them. Momentum reiterates that protecting children online must be an urgent national priority. We cannot afford to follow others years later; the government must place this high on its legislative agenda and act immediately.

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