- Sweden and Germany pass laws to simplify gender change

 In April 2024, Sweden passed a bill lowering the legal age for changing one's gender from 18 to 16. The bill passed with 234 votes in favor, 94 against, and 21 abstentions, and it will take effect from July 2025. Anyone wishing to change gender will be able to do so without needing a doctor's diagnosis of gender dysphoria, which was a previous requirement.

 In Germany, the Self-Determination Act, a similar piece of legislation, is scheduled to come into effect in November 2024 and will allow people to change gender without court approval.

 People over 18 will be able to change gender by selecting 'male,' 'female,' or 'diverse' and reporting it in person at a registry office.

 Opinion polls in the German media showed 46% in favor of the bill and 41% against it. In Sweden, public opinion on the new law is divided, with 60% opposed and 22% in favor. In some countries, potential misuse of the gender change laws is a concern. France's Le Monde reported that some Spanish men posted on social media about wanting to change gender for "practical reasons," such as gaining an advantage in competitive exams for firefighters and police officers, increasing their chances of getting custody of their children, or avoiding accusations of sexual assault.

 Some point out that simplifying gender change may lead to more adolescents seeking gender reassignment. According to The Guardian, in Sweden, which in 1972 became the first country in the world to approve legal gender reassignment, the diagnosis of gender dysphoria among women aged 13-17 increased by 1500% between 2008 and 2018. With new laws further simplifying the process, many believe this trend could continue.

- France and the United Kingdom fighting against the usage of smartphones

 Teenagers' use of smartphones and SNS is an increasingly important issue in France. The French government is considering ways to ban video viewing for children under 3 and smartphone ownership for those under 13, citing concerns about the negative impact on the eyesight and concentration of infants and children.

 The United Kingdom is also considering banning the sale of smartphones to children under 16 due to concerns about excessive usage. However, the BBC reports that such a ban may be ineffective because most minors in the UK receive their mobile phones from parents.

 In addition to the issues related to smartphones, there are growing concerns about the impact of social networking sites, with the European Parliament deciding to ban the use of TikTok and the Danish Parliament strongly recommending that all lawmakers and other employees delete TikTok if installed on work devices.

 Passing laws allowing gender change, prohibiting the sale of phones, and banning certain apps may prove a double-edged sword, given the split of public opinion on each issue. Ultimately, some bills may not be voted in, so it seems governments and citizens must compromise to find solutions. This approach ensures that diverse perspectives are respected, resulting in better outcomes.

Reporter,Hyeonseon Namgung

namgung0121@seoultech.ac.kr