Austria’s federal government announced a social media ban for students up to age 14 starting in the 2027/28 school year.
The reform will emphasize media literacy, democracy, and artificial intelligence education.
Schools will have the option to teach media literacy as a separate subject or integrate it into existing curricula.
While a real-name policy will not be introduced, stricter enforcement of user data disclosure in serious offenses will be implemented.
Computer science classes will be expanded to include AI, helping students understand digital systems and their risks.
A new compulsory subject, “Media and Democracy,” will teach students to distinguish truth from falsehood and recognize anti-democratic influences.
