Speaking at the Safer Internet Conference in Warsaw on Tuesday, Gawkowski said digital platforms should be held responsible and fined for harmful content.
This includes so-called trash streaming, which he said encourages young people to engage in self-harm and suicide and has been a criminal offence in Poland since August.
"Digital platforms need to be reined in," he said. "Without it, Big Tech is running unchecked. If you loosen the reins, they will lead not only the youngest, but also the oldest, astray.
Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said individual countries have limited power when dealing with technology giants and called for EU-wide regulatory action.
She highlighted online threats to children, including violence, hate, exclusion, pornography, aggression and encouragement of terrorism.
Radosław Nielek, director of Polish digital watchdog NASK, referred to a USD 17 billion settlement involving tech giant Meta in the United States over allegations that the company created mechanisms that could make children addicted to its platforms.
"Another USD 17 billion should go to Europe to fund projects and programmes helping children affected by addiction," Nielek said.
He compared companies such as Meta to "21st-century tobacco companies," arguing that governments should hold them accountable for the harm they cause.
The Safer Internet Conference, organised by NASK and the Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę (Giving Children Strength) Foundation, is being held for the 20th time.
(sp/gs)
Source: IAR/PAP