EU Plans to Propose Age-Based Limits on Children's Social Media Access After Summer

The European Commission will propose new regulations to restrict minors' access to social media platforms, announced European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday. She stated there is a consensus on establishing a starting age for children to join social media, with a proposal expected after the summer outlining a phased approach based on different age groups.

This move follows pressure from several EU countries, including France, which have criticized major tech companies for insufficiently protecting children from the harmful effects of social media. Some member states have already implemented their own local restrictions.

A report submitted to von der Leyen by child psychiatrist Professor Jörg Fegert and epidemiologist Dr. Maria Melchior recommends banning social media access for children under 13 unless supervised by a parent. For minors aged 13 to 18, access should be limited to platforms with safety features such as restrictions on infinite scrolling. The report also advises avoiding screen exposure entirely for children under three years old.

Von der Leyen emphasized the need for age-appropriate restrictions, stating, "The question is not whether children can access social media, but if and when social media can access children. Social media is not a toy." She highlighted that European children spend an average of four to six hours daily on social media, with nearly 60% experiencing emotional and psychosocial problems related to their online activity.