The President of the European Commission announced plans to propose new legislation regulating children's and youth's access to social media across all 27 member states, applying a "gradual age-based" restriction approach. Expert research clearly indicates children under 13 should only use social media under parental supervision, with enforcement against platforms using features that foster addiction.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, revealed that the EU plans to present legislation concretely limiting and regulating children's and youth's social media access in the latter half of this year, focusing on "stepwise and gradual age-group access".
This announcement follows a report from an expert group—including doctors, academics, youth representatives, and parents—commissioned by the EU. The official recommendations propose three main digital usage levels for children as follows:
Infants and toddlers: Strictly prohibited from screen exposure and digital access.
Children aged 3 to 12: Allowed to use age-appropriate digital devices and social media only under close supervision and control by parents or responsible adults.
Youth aged 13 to 18: Permitted more independent use of social media and digital platforms, which must include "core safety features" to protect young users.
Von der Leyen emphasized, "What we currently agree on is the necessity to set a legal minimum age for children to participate in social media. The question is not when children will access social media, but when and how social media will access our children."
The EU's move comes amid global concern over social media's effects on children's mental health and safety. Countries like the UK and Australia have already enacted strict controls, while in the US, major lawsuits have led juries to order Meta and Google to pay damages to a 20-year-old woman who claimed addictive platform systems severely harmed her mental health.
Within Europe, various countries have proposed differing measures: Spain seeks to ban social media access for children under 16; France proposes a ban for those under 15; Portugal, Denmark, Greece, Poland, Austria, Ireland, and the Netherlands are considering age restrictions; Estonia opposes outright bans.
Therefore, the European Commission is accelerating efforts to lead in establishing uniform regulatory standards to unify rules across all 27 member states. The study does not advocate an outright ban but emphasizes creating a safer environment.
Additionally, the EU states that primary responsibility lies with major tech companies. Von der Leyen stated, "In Europe, anyone who develops a product must be responsible for its safety. Platforms must prove their services do not cause harm."
Michael McGrath, Director of Consumer Protection at the EU, said the forthcoming law will enhance protections against intentionally addictive app designs, noting that today's digital market is crafted to capture attention and dominate user behavior. The new rules will empower consumers to choose freely without psychological manipulation.
Last Friday, the EU escalated pressure by sending formal orders to Meta's Facebook and Instagram to remove addictive features, following similar warnings issued to TikTok in February. If these cases are found to seriously violate EU digital laws, the companies could face enormous fines.
/sourceEuropean Commission/ AFP