Agenda Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu, "Proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government to carry out an analysis of the impact of young people’s social media use" (550 OE)
2025-02-10
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The main political stance is strong support for the government carrying out an analysis of the impact of social media on young people, as this is a necessary step to protect children from the dangers of the virtual world. The approach is value-based (protecting children) and results-based (the government’s obligation to conduct analyses), emphasizing the apolitical and constructive nature of the initiative. Concurrently, there is sharp criticism directed at the coalition’s passivity and its partisan opposition to initiatives that are substantively correct.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the dangers social media poses to young people, systematically enumerating psychological, social, and security risks. The specific details covered include anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, cyberbullying, addiction, time wastage, and risks related to privacy and security. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of analyzing these risks specifically within the Estonian context, utilizing the experience of other countries where required.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical and serious, particularly when presenting the detailed list of social media threats, which is supported by logical arguments. However, the tone is critical and disappointed when discussing the empty chamber of the Riigikogu (Parliament) and the coalition’s passive stance toward opposition initiatives. Rhetorical contrast is employed (the opposition takes action versus the coalition merely nods but offers no support).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active legislative initiator, having submitted the draft resolution (550 OE) and presented it before the Culture Committee. Reference is also made to an earlier apolitical initiative (the recognition of the second day of Easter as a national holiday), which demonstrates consistency in initiating various topics.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong criticism has been leveled against coalition MPs and the government, who are accused of disregarding parliamentary work procedures and engaging in partisan obstruction. The criticism is procedural: the coalition acknowledges the validity of the initiative but is in no hurry to support it, given that the matter was presented by the opposition, which is why the chamber is empty before the vote.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker pointed to the positive cooperation within the committee, where the draft legislation was unanimously agreed upon to be sent to the plenary session, demonstrating a readiness for substantive collaboration. However, disappointment was also voiced that this consensus does not carry over to the floor vote, as the coalition continues to ignore the opposition's initiatives.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is distinctly national, concentrating on the impact of social media on Estonian youth and the necessity of carrying out the analysis specifically within the Estonian context. While the option of drawing upon the experience of other countries is mentioned, it remains secondary to the national analysis.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There are no economic standpoints provided. It is only mentioned that conducting impact analyses is a large and costly undertaking that must remain the responsibility of the government and ministries, and not the burden of the members of the Riigikogu.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social problems are a central theme, highlighting the pressing need to protect children from the negative impacts of social media. Specific emphasis is placed on aspects related to mental health (anxiety, low self-esteem), safety (cyberbullying, dangerous content), and reduced socialization. The objective is not to prohibit anything, but rather to analyze the risks involved.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed toward initiating Draft Resolution 550 OE, which aims to compel the government to carry out an impact analysis on youth social media usage. The speaker, who is the initiator of the resolution, views this analysis as necessary preliminary work for taking further legislative steps to solve the problem.
3 Speeches Analyzed