Czech experts urge open sexual education and debate bans on social media for minors

Psychotherapist Martin Zikmund warns that parents’ silence about sexuality can leave children vulnerable to shame, manipulation and abuse. He urges continuous, age‑appropriate dialogue and outlines four principles—privacy, age‑appropriateness, consent and bodily integrity—to protect children, noting early exposure to pornography as a major risk.

Separately, public discussion in the Czech Republic is intensifying around proposals to ban minors from using social media platforms such as Instagram, X and TikTok, following similar legislation in Australia and Indonesia. Figures including psychiatrist Jiří Horáček, security expert Josef Holý and President Petr Pavel have voiced support, citing studies on the addictive nature of these platforms. The debate also extends to potential school bans on mobile phones, with many educators arguing that devices distract from learning.

Both pieces highlight growing concern among Czech professionals about protecting children from online influences and ensuring healthy development through informed parental guidance and possible regulatory measures.