GERB, the ruling political party in Bulgaria, is exploring the possibility of banning social networks for children under 15, a topic that has recently sparked public debate. Kostadin Angelov, the Chair of the Parliamentary Health Committee and a GERB member, has strongly backed the proposal, likening the potential impact of social media on children’s mental health to that of gambling addiction.
Angelov Supports the Ban, Comparing Its Potential Harms to Gambling
Angelov argued that social media use among children creates a dopamine-driven cycle of pleasure similar to that of gambling or drug addiction, which can lead to neural dependence, increased anxiety, attention issues, and disrupted sleep. He referenced a documentary where former engineers from Google, Facebook, and Twitter admitted that social media platforms are intentionally designed to tap into these psychological triggers, keeping users hooked. One of the creators of the “Like” button even mentioned it was specifically made to reward every moment of attention, further strengthening addictive behaviors.
Angelov also pointed to research showing that children who spend over three hours a day on social networks face a more than 60% higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. Other negative effects include a significant drop in concentration and social empathy. Psychologists have started calling this trend “digital withdrawal,” likening it to symptoms of substance addiction.
Bulgarian Teens Gambling Is an Ongoing Issue the Country Is Fighting
The issue of gambling among young Bulgarians has been at the forefront of discussion throughout the year. Social media like Facebook, YouTube, and others have not once come under fire for exposing under-18s to gambling content via ads. The concern has been widely publicized, and Bulgarian psychologists have said ads encourage minors to gamble.
Regarding the access to social media for children under 15, Angelov described the situation as “not freedom, but mass addiction disguised in digital form.” He emphasized that adults have a responsibility to establish boundaries, rather than leaving children vulnerable to algorithms that turn them into consumers before they’ve even had the chance to develop as individuals.
He expressed strong support for implementing an age limit, proposing a ban on social media use for those under 15. According to Angelov, the goal is not to restrict young people, but to restore their childhood, giving them more time for play, conversation, reading, and real-life experiences.
Bulgaria already implements several programs to combat gambling among uner-18, and to help those who suffer from various gambling habits from a young age. One of them, the “You Are Not Alone” campaign, launched last year with the aim of educating teens and children on the dangers of gambling. Led by the National Revenue Agency and the Customs Agency, it has reached thousands of children during the 2024/2025 academic year and continues its mission to educate young people today.