Lithuanian education ministry introduces child safety algorithm amid online and school violence concerns

Experts warn that social‑media recommendation algorithms increasingly shape what children see, noting platforms such as YouTube track clicks, watch time, likes and subscriptions to build interest profiles and keep attention for as long as possible. "The algorithm evaluates not only whether we click a video but also how long we watch it," explains informatics teacher Paulius Sabulis, emphasizing that algorithms are neither good nor bad but are designed to maximise screen time.

Education Minister Ieva Ruginienė announced a new, child‑friendly algorithm for detecting and responding to possible violence in schools. The simple, easy‑to‑understand guide will be posted in all schools and health institutions so children know how to report inappropriate behavior. The move follows recent incidents, including the assault of a minor in Marijampolė’s Poetry Park and earlier school knife attacks, prompting an inter‑institutional meeting and an ongoing pre‑investigation.