EU Plans Phased Restrictions on Social Media for Under-13s

The European Union is preparing to roll out new legislation that will progressively restrict social media use for children under the age of 13. This move aims to protect young users and ensure they have adequate time for real-world development and identity formation.

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Our children need time in the real world to play, build friendships, and make mistakes.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the upcoming proposal, stating, "Our children need time in the real world to play, build friendships, and make mistakes." She stressed the importance of allowing children to form their identities before being exposed to algorithms. The plan suggests that limited access to social media, specifically on platforms with age verification, should only be permitted from the age of 13 onwards.

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They need time to form their identities and personalities before they are exposed to algorithms.

This initiative by the EU comes in the wake of similar measures taken by other countries. Australia recently implemented a ban on social media for minors under 16. Several EU member states, including Spain, Greece, Austria, France, and Denmark, are also exploring or pursuing legal restrictions on social media access for minors. The EU seeks to regulate online platforms within its jurisdiction, aligning with growing global concerns about the impact of social media on young people's well-being.

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Access should only be allowed in a limited way, and only on platforms that have been verified for safety.