Session Profile: Heljo Pikhof
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
2025-02-10
Political Position
The core political stance is the regulation of young people's use of smart devices and social media, driven by concerns regarding mental and physical health, concentration ability, and academic performance. There is strong support for mapping the current situation and establishing a national framework (Draft Law 550) to ensure a safe and supportive environment for children. This position is deeply value-based, emphasizing the vital necessity of prioritizing children’s welfare and helping them find balance in the digital world.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker(s) demonstrate strong expertise in the fields of education policy, digital competence, and youth mental health. The arguments are supported by extensive international research (OECD 2024, WHO 2023) and data from the Estonian Human Development Report. Various regulatory mechanisms are discussed in detail, such as national restrictions versus school autonomy.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is concerned and urgent, emphasizing that children are more vulnerable and require adult role models and a robust framework. The style is formal and analytical, relying heavily on logical arguments and scientific data, referencing specific studies and usage percentages. Finally, a moral appeal is made to legislators to establish a reasonable framework.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The action patterns involve detailed legislative reporting, presenting a summary of the Culture Committee session (January 21) and conveying the committee’s consensus decisions to the Plenary Assembly (February 10). The activity has focused on processing the draft legislation and mediating the positions of various experts (Ministry of Education and Research officials).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The direct opposition is primarily aimed at the implementation of overly strict or prohibitive regulations, which are deemed ineffective. Criticism (e.g., by Liina Kersna and Margit Sutrop) emphasizes that instead of banning and mandating, the focus should be on improving awareness, changing attitudes, and setting an example.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensus-based concerning the committee's procedural decisions (e.g., placing a draft bill on the agenda). Active cooperation takes place with ministry officials (Ministry of Education and Research) and other members of the Riigikogu to map out various approaches to the problem. Cooperation with the Chancellor of Justice’s youth advisors is also referenced.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is broad-ranging, encompassing both national aspects (Estonian youth social media usage) and robust international comparisons. Reference is made to the regulations of other countries (Australia, France, the USA, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Latvia) and studies conducted at the European Union level. A specific local or regional focus is absent.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issues revolve around the mental and physical health of young people, which is jeopardized by excessive use of smart devices, cyberbullying, and social isolation. Proposed solutions emphasize the necessity of strengthening digital competence education, increasing parental awareness, and directing youth toward alternative activities.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on Riigikogu decision draft 550, which aims to map the situation and impact of young people's social media use and subsequently develop an action plan. The discussion will also address the need to establish a national framework for regulating the use of smart devices in schools, whether through legislation or a specific regulation. The submitters of the draft emphasize that the primary goal right now is analysis, not immediate prohibition.
5 Speeches Analyzed