European Commission Explores Social Media Restrictions for Minors
In a significant address to the European Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed her contemplation of potential restrictions on social media usage for children across the EU. Drawing inspiration from Australia’s recent policy changes, von der Leyen expressed her commitment to examining how similar measures could be implemented in Europe.
Australia has taken a bold step by prohibiting teenagers under the age of 16 from accessing popular social media platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X. “I am watching the implementation of their policy closely to see what next steps we can take here in Europe,” von der Leyen stated. She further announced plans to assemble a panel of experts by the end of the year to explore the most effective strategies for safeguarding young users in the digital landscape.
“We will approach this carefully and listen to everyone. And in all this work, we will be guided by the need to empower parents and build a safer Europe for our children,” she added, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in navigating the complexities of social media.
Currently, the regulation of social media access for minors varies by country within the EU. Major platforms typically require users to be at least 13 years old. However, the conversation around age restrictions is gaining momentum. French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that France may implement a ban on social media access for children under 15 within months if a unified European approach is not established. This announcement followed a tragic incident involving a school staff member and a 14-year-old student in Nogent.
Several EU nations, including the Netherlands, have also advised parents against allowing children under 15 to engage with social media, citing concerns over psychological and physical well-being. In June, the European Commission released guidelines under the Digital Services Act (DSA) aimed at protecting minors from various online risks, including grooming, harmful content, and cyberbullying. These guidelines are set to apply to all online platforms accessible to young users.
In tandem with these initiatives, the Commission has announced a collaborative effort with five EU countries—Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain—to develop a tailored national age verification application, further underscoring the commitment to creating a safer digital environment for children across Europe.
