Mallorca Parliament backs action on online challenges

The Balearic Parliament in Palma has backed a call for earlier action when dangerous online challenges put under-18s at risk. The proposal won unanimous support on Thursday in the Education and Universities Committee. It asks the Govern to set up protocols linking schools, social services, child and adolescent mental health services, and Spain’s state security forces.

The measures are intended to spot and respond to risks tied to viral challenges and harmful behaviour shared on social media. Parliament also wants awareness and prevention campaigns for children, teenagers, families and the education community.

Schools asked to spot warning signs sooner

The Govern is being urged to strengthen prevention work and responsible digital education in schools. The focus includes online peer pressure, copying risky behaviour, privacy, emotional health, and the physical and psychological effects of viral content.

Schools, youth services and social organisations should also receive teaching materials and tools to help identify risky online behaviour early.

Parliament has separately called on Spain’s central government to work more closely with digital platforms and social networks, so content promoting self-harm, violence or other practices that threaten minors’ health can be found and removed faster. That was the only measure without full support: one Unidas Podemos deputy abstained.

Menorca vocational places also under review

Lawmakers also unanimously backed a PSIB proposal for a vocational training plan in Menorca for the 2027-2028 school year. It should set out the groups, places and teaching staff needed.

The plan calls for more intermediate-level vocational places where demand and training or labour-market needs justify them. Courses with waiting lists over several years should be expanded when they lead to sectors needing qualified staff, offer real job prospects and allow further study.

The Govern is also asked to provide the resources for extra places, including specialist teachers, suitable premises and equipment, and more companies and bodies where students can train. Young people aged 16 and 17 who miss out on a place should be offered a suitable alternative in Menorca; a vacancy on another island should not count as meeting that need.

Topics: Education · Social affairs · Jobs & labour · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com