ISTANBUL
The Russian parliament, known as the State Duma, has proposed banning internet access for children under 14 years old, with the head of the parliamentary committee on family protection suggesting that access should be granted only after receiving a passport.
"This way, we will not only protect children's physical and mental health, but also keep them safe from online fraud," Committee for Family Protection head Nina Ostanina told the Russian RT channel on Friday.
Ostanina believes that parents should advise their children to avoid using gadgets.
Earlier this week, Russian Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov said the issue of banning mobile phone use for children under a certain age is under discussion.
He underlined that the decision has not been made yet, adding that “it’s a complex issue.”
"It's not normal for a child starting at age three to be given a smartphone or tablet so they don't distract their parents,” he said in an interview with the Russian podcast channel Empathy Manuchi.
“It's not normal. It affects the child's psychological development,” he added.