European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed restricting children’s access to social media, including a ban for those under 13 and tighter controls for teenagers aged 13 to 15, amid growing concerns over the impact of online platforms on minors.
The proposal is part of a wider effort to strengthen protections for children online. It would also introduce additional obligations for social media platforms, video-sharing services, online video games and AI chatbots that provide services to users below the age of 18.
Major platforms could face new rules
The proposed measures could affect some of the world’s largest technology companies and their services, including Google’s YouTube and Meta Platforms’ Facebook and Instagram.
The European Commission’s approach reflects increasing scrutiny of how digital platforms design and deliver services to young users. Concerns include children’s exposure to harmful content, excessive engagement with online services and risks to their safety and wellbeing.
Different rules proposed by age
Under the proposal outlined by von der Leyen, children below 13 would be prevented from accessing social media platforms, while those aged 13 to 15 would face restricted access.
The age-based approach is intended to recognise that younger children and teenagers have different levels of maturity and digital independence. Details of how age verification and parental involvement would work would be important if the proposals progress.
AI services also under scrutiny
The proposals extend beyond conventional social media. Online video games and AI chatbots offering services to children under 18 would also face additional obligations.
The move comes as governments and regulators in several parts of the world examine how rapidly evolving digital technologies should respond to children’s safety concerns.
A wider debate over children’s digital lives
The European proposal is likely to fuel discussion among parents, technology companies, educators and policymakers about where the balance should lie between children’s online safety, privacy and access to digital services.
For families, the debate highlights a growing reality: children are entering an increasingly digital world, and protecting them online is becoming as important as teaching them how to navigate the real world safely.