The European Union is set to implement measures to restrict children’s access to social media across all 27 member states, as announced by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. This initiative is noted by Reuters to be the most extensive effort to date aimed at safeguarding children from online dangers.
Von der Leyen presented a document prepared by two experts, recommending a phased approach: children under 13 would only be allowed to use social media for limited periods and only under the supervision of parents, guardians, or teachers. Restrictions are expected to be gradually relaxed as teenagers grow older.
“It is clear that we need age-appropriate restrictions regarding access to platforms,” von der Leyen stated to journalists in Brussels.
She further emphasized, “The question is no longer whether young children face risks online, but what we can do to provide them with a safer start in the digital world.”
Von der Leyen indicated that she is likely to follow the experts’ recommendations, with the European executive planning to present a concrete proposal after the summer. This proposal is anticipated to be announced during her State of the Union address in September.
EU Follows Suit with Other Countries on Restricting Children’s Access to Social Media
Countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, China, and India have already imposed bans on children’s use of social media or are considering such measures, primarily targeting platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. An increasing number of EU countries have also announced plans to legislate for child protection.
Social media platforms assert that they have implemented measures to protect young users, with many already having age restrictions in place.
“First, we need to determine which types of platforms are harmful to our children. Evidence shows that primarily social media platforms, as well as other providers offering age-inappropriate features that create addiction, are involved. So think of this as ‘social media plus,'” von der Leyen stated.
“And once we clearly define this category, I believe we need to consider introducing phased and gradual access for different age groups,” she added.
