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Swiss Network Urges Families to Reduce Children’s Screen Time
Admin Swiss news
Swiss Network Urges Families to Reduce Children’s Screen Time

A new regional initiative in French-speaking Switzerland is encouraging parents to reduce children’s exposure to smartphones and digital devices. The campaign aims to promote healthier childhood development and raise awareness about the potential risks of excessive screen use. The network, launched in Geneva alongside partner organizations in Neuchâtel and Fribourg, has introduced two voluntary pledges for families with children under the ages of six and 15. Organizers hope to attract hundreds of families across the participating cantons.

Under the first pledge, parents commit to keeping children under four years old completely away from screens. The initiative also recommends limiting screen use for children between four and six years old to encourage physical activity, communication, and social interaction. Health professionals involved in the project argue that excessive exposure to screens at an early age may affect motor skills, language development, and social communication.

The second pledge focuses on older children and teenagers. Organizers recommend avoiding smartphones before the age of 15 and limiting digital device use to shared family spaces within the home. Instead of smartphones, young people would be encouraged to use basic mobile phones capable of making calls and sending text messages when necessary. Beyond family commitments, the network is calling on Swiss politicians to introduce stricter regulations. Campaign representatives support banning smartphone sales to children under 15 and prohibiting screen use for children under four.

Some advocates are also urging schools to reduce or eliminate tablet use in classrooms, arguing that traditional learning methods remain important for children’s cognitive and social development. The initiative comes as concerns grow over problematic internet use among young people. According to a national study conducted in Switzerland, a significant number of people experience difficulties related to excessive internet use. Supporters believe early intervention can help children develop healthier habits and reduce the risk of digital dependency later in life.

How Evian Became a Trusted Name in Drinking Water for Over 200 Years
Admin Swiss news
How Evian Became a Trusted Name in Drinking Water for Over 200 Years

Clean drinking water remains an essential part of daily life, and for many consumers, bottled water continues to be a preferred choice alongside tap water. Among the world’s most recognized water brands, Evian has established itself as a trusted name with a history spanning more than two centuries.

While Switzerland is known for its high-quality water supply systems, some residents prefer bottled water due to personal taste preferences and mineral content variations found in different regions. As a result, premium bottled water brands continue to enjoy strong demand.

Evian’s story dates back over 200 years, making it one of the oldest and most respected names in the bottled water industry. Over the decades, the company has transformed from a regional water source into a globally recognized premium water brand.

Today, Evian products are sold in numerous countries and are widely associated with purity, quality, and natural mineral balance.

One of the key factors behind Evian’s reputation is its natural water source. The water originates from protected mountain spring regions and undergoes a natural filtration process through layers of rock and minerals over many years.

This natural journey helps enrich the water with minerals while maintaining its purity before it is collected and bottled under strict quality controls. Evian is not only known as a bottled water producer but also as a leading company in the premium drinking water industry. The brand has built its reputation on consistent quality standards, environmental protection efforts, and sustainable water resource management. Consumers around the world choose Evian for its clean taste, balanced mineral content, and commitment to preserving natural water sources.

As awareness of health and wellness continues to grow, demand for premium bottled water remains strong in many markets. Consumers increasingly seek products that combine quality, safety, and sustainability. Brands like Evian continue to benefit from this trend by emphasizing natural sourcing, environmental responsibility, and long-term water protection initiatives.

US Pushes Quantum Supercomputer by 2028
Admin Swiss news
US Pushes Quantum Supercomputer by 2028

The United States has launched an ambitious plan to build the world’s most powerful quantum computer by 2028 under new executive orders signed by former President Donald Trump. This initiative aims to accelerate scientific research and strengthen national cybersecurity against future digital threats. White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios confirmed that the project is targeted for completion by 2028.

Quantum computers can solve complex problems far faster than traditional supercomputers. However, they also pose serious security risks as they may break current encryption systems. To counter this risk, one of the executive orders directs federal agencies to transition to post-quantum cryptography by 2030–2031. Another order requires the Pentagon to deploy quantum sensors by 2028. These sensors will help aircraft navigate even when GPS systems fail and can also detect underground military activity such as missile sites or tunnels when installed on satellites.

The US Department of Commerce has already invested $2 billion in nine quantum technology companies, including IBM and other leading tech firms. These strategic moves are widely seen as part of the ongoing global “quantum race” between the United States and China for technological dominance.

Swiss Heatwave Alert Raised to Level 4
Admin Swiss news
Swiss Heatwave Alert Raised to Level 4

Switzerland has raised its heatwave warning to one of the highest alert levels as extreme temperatures continue to affect several regions across the country. According to MeteoSwiss, areas surrounding Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Biel, Lake Murten, Central Valais, and the Lake Geneva region have now been placed under a Level 4 heatwave alert.

The affected areas include Estavayer in the canton of Fribourg, Nidau and Ins in the canton of Bern, Plaine de l’Orbe and Cudrefin in the canton of Vaud, as well as the Lake Geneva region and Central Valais. These regions join northwestern Switzerland, including the Basel area and the Delémont Valley, which are already under the same high-level warning.

MeteoSwiss stated that a Level 4 alert indicates a prolonged period of extreme heat lasting at least three consecutive days, with temperatures remaining unusually high even during nighttime hours. The lack of cooling overnight increases the health risks associated with the heatwave.

Health officials warn that the current conditions could lead to circulation problems, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and significant physical discomfort, particularly among elderly people, children, and individuals with existing medical conditions.

Residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, seek shaded or air-conditioned environments whenever possible, and regularly check on vulnerable family members and neighbours. Swiss authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the heatwave affects multiple cantons across the country.

Swiss Government Backs 2038 Winter Olympics with CHF200 Million Funding
Admin Swiss news
Swiss Government Backs 2038 Winter Olympics with CHF200 Million Funding

Switzerland has taken a major step toward hosting the 2038 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Swiss Federal Council has confirmed its support for the bid and is prepared to provide financial assistance of up to CHF200 million.

The announcement highlights Switzerland’s commitment to bringing one of the world’s biggest sporting events back to the country while strengthening its international sporting reputation.

Government Ready to Invest CHF200 Million

According to the Federal Council, the consultation process showed overwhelming support for the proposed Olympic project. As a result, the government has decided to maintain its original plan without significant changes. The planned funding package of up to CHF200 million would help support preparations, infrastructure planning and the organization of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

No Referendum Planned

Despite calls from some political parties and cantons, the government does not intend to hold an optional referendum on the Olympic bid. Officials stated that the planning decree is not considered a matter of major national significance that would require a public vote. This decision allows the project to move forward more efficiently.

Boost for Swiss Tourism and Economy

Hosting the 2038 Winter Olympics could generate significant economic benefits for Switzerland. The event would attract millions of viewers worldwide, increase tourism, support local businesses and create employment opportunities across multiple sectors. Swiss alpine regions, hotels, restaurants and transportation services could all benefit from the increased international exposure.

Strengthening Switzerland’s Global Sporting Profile

Switzerland has a long history of hosting major international sporting events. The Winter Olympics would provide an opportunity to showcase the country’s world-class infrastructure, winter sports expertise and breathtaking mountain landscapes. The government believes the event could leave a lasting legacy for future generations while promoting sports participation and international cooperation.

Looking Ahead

With federal support now confirmed, attention will turn to the next stages of the bidding process. If successful, Switzerland could welcome athletes and spectators from around the world for the 2038 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The project represents one of the country’s most ambitious sporting initiatives in recent years and could further strengthen Switzerland’s position as a leading destination for international events.

Historic Bern Steam Tram Receives Heritage Protection Status
Admin Swiss news
Historic Bern Steam Tram Receives Heritage Protection Status

A historic steam tram in the Swiss capital of Bern has officially received heritage protection status, becoming the first vehicle of its kind in Switzerland to gain such recognition. The decision highlights the tram’s exceptional historical, cultural, and technical importance.

The protected tram, which dates back more than 130 years, recently returned to service following a major restoration project carried out by dedicated volunteers and railway specialists.

A Unique Piece of Swiss Transport History

The steam tram originally operated in the city of Bern between 1894 and 1902, serving residents during the early years of urban public transportation. Today, it stands as one of Switzerland’s most remarkable transport heritage assets, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s industrial and engineering history. The Bern Historic Preservation Authority granted the official protected status after recognizing the tram’s unique contribution to Swiss public transport development.

Major Restoration Brings Tram Back to Life

Before receiving heritage protection, the 132-year-old vehicle underwent an extensive restoration programme. The overhaul included significant work on the steam locomotive’s engine and mechanical systems. Volunteers from the Bernmobil Historical Foundation played a key role in the project, while specialized components were restored with support from railway engineering experts. The successful restoration has ensured that future generations can continue to experience this rare piece of Swiss history.

Heritage Recognition Marks Historic Milestone

According to the Bernmobil Historical Foundation, the new protected status is both an honour and a responsibility. The recognition confirms the steam tram’s importance as a cultural landmark and strengthens efforts to preserve Switzerland’s transportation heritage. The tram is now officially considered a protected monument, safeguarding its future for years to come.

Available for Public Rides and Special Events

The historic tram continues to operate for public journeys and special occasions throughout Bern. Residents and tourists can experience a unique ride through the city aboard one of Switzerland’s oldest preserved public transport vehicles. The tram is also available for private bookings and heritage-themed events, making it a popular attraction among transport enthusiasts and visitors.

Preserving Bern’s Transport Legacy

The Bernmobil Historical Foundation manages an extensive collection of historic public transport vehicles. Its collection includes around ten historic trams and ten vintage buses, all maintained to preserve Bern’s rich transportation history. The foundation remains committed to protecting these important pieces of Swiss heritage and ensuring they remain operational whenever possible.

Meta Pushes Congress for Legal Shield in Child Safety Lawsuits
Admin Technology
Meta Pushes Congress for Legal Shield in Child Safety Lawsuits

Meta Platforms is reportedly lobbying the United States Congress to secure legal immunity from child-harm lawsuits linked to its social media platforms, including Instagram, as regulatory pressure over online safety intensifies.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Meta has proposed legislative language as part of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a major US bill aimed at strengthening protections for children online.

The proposed provision would limit lawsuits against technology companies by granting immunity from state-level claims related to harms affecting users under the age of 18. If adopted, the measure could significantly affect thousands of ongoing and future legal cases against Meta and other major platforms.

Growing Legal Pressure on Social Media Platforms

Meta and Google’s YouTube are currently facing increasing legal scrutiny over allegations that platform design features contributed to harmful or addictive behaviour among young users.

Earlier this year, both companies were found liable in a case that resulted in approximately $6 million in damages. The ruling marked a significant development in ongoing litigation targeting the safety design of major social media platforms.

Plaintiffs in multiple cases argue that features such as infinite scrolling, push notifications, and algorithm-driven feeds contribute to compulsive usage patterns and negatively impact mental health among minors.

KOSA Bill at the Centre of Debate

The Kids Online Safety Act is one of the most significant proposed reforms to US digital regulation in recent years. The bill would require social media companies to take stronger measures to prevent harm to minors and redesign features that could encourage excessive usage.

Under the proposed framework, companies would be expected to apply “duty of care” standards when designing features such as auto-play videos, notifications, and visual filters.

While the bill has received bipartisan support in the Senate, it has previously faced challenges in the House of Representatives. It has now been reintroduced amid renewed political negotiations.

Controversy Over Immunity Provision

The most controversial aspect of the proposed amendment is the suggestion that platforms could receive immunity from lawsuits related to child safety harms if they comply with federal standards.

Critics argue that such a provision could block families and advocacy groups from seeking legal accountability for alleged harms caused by platform design choices. Supporters, however, claim that a unified federal standard would reduce fragmented state-level regulation and provide clearer compliance rules for companies.

Meta has stated that the proposed language is intended to create consistent national standards rather than eliminate legal accountability.

Political Negotiations Continue

The bill is currently under discussion between US lawmakers and the White House, with efforts underway to combine child safety legislation with broader technology regulation, including artificial intelligence governance.

Despite strong Senate support in previous votes, the final outcome remains uncertain as debates continue over the balance between child protection, innovation, and corporate liability.

“Broken English” Documentary Honors Marianne Faithfull Legacy
Admin Swiss news
“Broken English” Documentary Honors Marianne Faithfull Legacy

The documentary Broken English – Marianne Faithfull** offers an intimate reflection on the life and legacy of the legendary singer, songwriter, and actress Marianne Faithfull, who passed away in 2025.

Directed by Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, and guided creatively by Tilda Swinton, the film presents Faithfull’s story through a fictional interview setting known as the “Ministry of Not Forgetting.” She is portrayed in her late seventies, reflecting on a career that began unexpectedly in the 1960s.

Faithfull rose to fame during the cultural revolution of the 1960s, becoming an icon of British music and a muse to The Rolling Stones. The documentary highlights not only her fame but also her struggles, resilience, and artistic reinvention across more than six decades.

The film is largely driven by her own words, as she speaks candidly with actor George MacKay in a stylized studio environment. While some narrative sections focus heavily on surrounding fictional characters, the most powerful moments emerge when Faithfull herself reflects on her extraordinary life journey.

Despite health challenges in her later years, including reliance on an oxygen machine, she is portrayed as warm, honest, and intellectually sharp. The documentary ultimately paints her as a survivor of both fame and personal struggle, preserving her legacy as a cultural icon.

Pixar’s Toy Story 5 Receives Mixed Reaction

In contrast, Pixar’s Toy Story 5 marks the return of the beloved animated franchise, but with a more divisive reception.

The story follows Jessie and other familiar characters now living with a new child, Bonnie, who struggles with loneliness and social isolation. The film introduces a modern theme centered around children becoming increasingly attached to digital screens.

When Bonnie receives her own device, the toys fear they may become obsolete in a rapidly changing technological world. Woody returns to guide the group through this crisis, while Buzz Lightyear appears in multiple versions, creating chaotic and comedic tension.

While the film attempts to address relevant social issues such as technology dependence and childhood isolation, the execution has received mixed reactions, with some critics questioning its narrative direction.

Cultural Reflection

Both films highlight different aspects of modern storytelling—one reflecting on real-life artistic legacy, and the other exploring how animation adapts to digital-age concerns.

Fertility Decline and Smaller Families Reshape Switzerland’s Future
Admin Swiss news
Fertility Decline and Smaller Families Reshape Switzerland’s Future

Switzerland is experiencing a continued decline in birth rates and marriages, reinforcing long-term demographic changes that are reshaping the country’s population structure.

According to the Federal Statistical Office, 78,200 children were born in Switzerland in 2025, marking a slight decrease from the previous year and the fourth consecutive annual decline. Although the drop appears small, it confirms a steady downward trend over the past decade.

Over the last ten years, the number of births in Switzerland has fallen by nearly 10%, while fertility rates have dropped more sharply from 1.54 to 1.28 children per woman. These figures remain well below the replacement level needed for long-term population stability.

Delayed Parenthood and Fewer Children

The decline is largely driven by two key patterns: fewer people choosing to become parents, and those who do increasingly limiting family size to one or two children.

Births among women under 35 have fallen significantly, while births among women aged 35 and above have increased. This shift has pushed the average age of motherhood in Switzerland to 32.5 years.

Experts note that delayed parenthood reduces the total number of childbearing years, increasing the likelihood that some people will have fewer children than originally planned.

At the same time, surveys show changing attitudes toward parenthood. A growing share of young adults now express no desire to have children, particularly in urban areas and among highly educated women.

Stable Deaths but Slowing Growth

Deaths in Switzerland remained broadly stable at around 71,900 in 2025. As a result, the country still recorded a natural population increase of about 6,300 people.

However, this surplus has declined sharply compared to previous years, reflecting a long-term weakening of natural population growth. In 2016, for example, the surplus was nearly four times higher.

Demographers warn that if current trends continue, Switzerland could see natural population growth stall by the mid-2030s. Without immigration, population decline could follow as deaths begin to exceed births.

Marriage and Divorce Trends

Marriage rates are also falling. Around 35,900 couples married in 2025, representing a 2.3% decline compared to the previous year. This marks the third consecutive annual drop.

The total includes approximately 800 same-sex marriages, following the introduction of marriage equality in 2022. However, the initial increase in weddings after the reform appears to have stabilized.

Divorces also declined slightly, with Swiss courts recording around 15,800 cases in 2025. Despite this drop, long-term projections suggest that nearly 40% of marriages could eventually end in divorce if current trends continue.

Long-Term Economic Impact

The combination of lower fertility, delayed family formation, and an ageing population presents significant long-term challenges for Switzerland.

Fewer working-age people will eventually need to support a growing elderly population, increasing pressure on pension systems, healthcare services, and public finances.

Policymakers increasingly view demographic change as one of the most important structural challenges facing Switzerland in the coming decades.

Swiss Parliament Approves Pension Boost but Funding Gap Remains
Admin Economic news
Swiss Parliament Approves Pension Boost but Funding Gap Remains

Switzerland’s parliament has approved a partial funding plan for the country’s new 13th annual state pension payment, but a significant financing gap remains unresolved.

After months of political debate, the National Council backed an increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) while rejecting higher payroll contributions. The decision means that only part of the additional pension costs will be covered by dedicated funding.

Under the approved plan, Switzerland’s standard VAT rate will increase from 8.1% to 8.5%. The special VAT rate applied to hotels will rise from 3.8% to 4%. However, the reduced VAT rate of 2.6% on essential goods such as food and medicines will remain unchanged.

The breakthrough came after the Green Liberal Party changed its position and agreed to support a permanent VAT increase. This shift helped secure parliamentary approval for the measure.

Despite the agreement, lawmakers narrowly rejected a proposal to increase payroll contributions by 0.2 percentage points. That proposal had been part of a compromise designed to fully finance the new pension benefit.

As a result, the approved VAT increase is expected to cover only around half of the total cost of the 13th pension payment.

Funding Challenge Still Unresolved

The Swiss Federal Council had previously prepared alternative financing options in case parliament failed to agree on a funding plan. These options included a larger VAT increase or a combination of higher VAT and payroll deductions.

At present, neither of these alternatives appears to have sufficient political support. This leaves the government facing the challenge of finding additional funding sources in the coming years.

Swiss Voters Likely to Decide

The VAT increase is expected to pass parliament’s final approval process. Because it requires a constitutional amendment, the proposal must also be approved by Swiss voters and cantons through a national referendum.

Political observers expect the vote to take place in November.

First Payments Begin This Year

The first 13th pension payments are scheduled to be distributed in December. The program is expected to cost approximately CHF 4.2 billion during its first year alone.

Even if voters approve the VAT increase, implementation will take time because businesses must update systems and pricing structures. As a result, the pension supplement will likely be paid for roughly two years before dedicated funding begins flowing into the system.

Experts estimate that this temporary shortfall could create a funding gap of approximately CHF 9 billion.

Long-Term Pressure on the Pension System

Switzerland’s ageing population continues to place increasing pressure on the state pension system. As the number of retirees grows faster than the working population, pension expenses continue to rise.

While strong financial market performance has helped support pension funds in recent years, economists warn that long-term sustainability remains a major concern.

Without additional reforms, the gap between pension obligations and available funding could continue to widen, increasing future costs for taxpayers and workers.