Election guide for parents: politics wants social media ban until 15.

Election guide for parents: politics wants social media ban until 15.

Almost all political parties want to introduce a minimum age of 15 years for social media. This appears from the new election guide for parents that can be filled in from today. Parties emphasize that social media are addictive, contain harmful content and can cause mental problems in young people. Therefore, a large majority of parties agree with the statement that the government should require social media providers to use a minimum age of 15 years.

On 29 October there will be new elections for the House of Representatives. Ouders & Onderwijs made an election guide especially for parents together with Voor Werkende Ouders: Election guide Parents. This way you as a parent get insight into the views of the different political parties about education, work, family and care. With the help of 20 statements you can decide which parties share your opinion or where you think differently.

Lobke Vlaming, director Ouders & Onderwijs: “Education gets far too little attention in the election campaign and the political debate. Also in the party programs it often remains unclear what parties exactly want and the subject is only with difficulty to be found somewhere. It is therefore difficult for parents to get insight into what the political parties plan with education. With this election guide we want to help parents with this.”

Support for maximum class size and inclusive education

On several subjects political parties often agree with each other. Most parties want to set in the law how many students can be in a class at most. In addition, many parties are positive about inclusive education, where children with a disability or care need must be able to go to any regular school or childcare. And many parties therefore want a ban on social media for children up to 15 years. Of course there are also clear differences, such as on the theme of childcare. Some parties feel that the government should arrange and pay for childcare, so all parents can use it. Some parties are against that.

Debate about education

Do you want to know more about the views of the political parties about education? On 6 October Ouders & Onderwijs together with the LAKS and the Foundation of Education, organize the National Basic Education Debate. Candidates will talk with each other during the education election debate about themes within education, such as equal opportunities, staff shortages and future oriented education. Parents are also warmly invited. The debate takes place at 7.00 PM in the Haags Montessori Lyceum. Too far away or no babysitter? The debate can also be followed online.

Election guide especially for parents

How do political parties think about issues that matter to you as a parent? Such as teacher shortages, class size, access to childcare, and leave arrangements. In their party programs, parties unfortunately say little about how they will work for better education, affordable childcare, and a good work-life balance. That is why we made an election guide especially for parents. Using 20 statements, you can compare your opinion with that of the parties.

Marjet Winsemius, director Voor Werkende Ouders, says: “As a parent, you want to know what political choices really mean for your family and work. The election guide translates party programs to daily life, and that makes voting much easier.”