EU Proposes Restrictions on Social Media Use for Under-16s

The European Union has announced plans to restrict social media access for individuals under 16 years old across its member states, a move intended to improve child wellbeing and address online safety concerns.

The proposed "EU Kids Act" would introduce a phased approach to children's social media engagement. Under these plans, children younger than 13 would be prohibited from accessing social media platforms altogether. Those aged between 13 and 15 would be permitted to use platforms for a maximum of one hour per day. This access would be through "mini accounts" that require setup via a parent or guardian's social media profile.

According to the European Commission, social media companies would be mandated to demonstrate that their platforms are designed with safety in mind. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen stated that the legislation aims to "put parents back in the driving seat" and provide them with "the tools to help their children navigate a safer world."

Under the proposed act, only individuals aged 15 and above would be able to establish their own social media accounts independently. Von der Leyen had previously advocated for a "delay" in social media access for children in Europe, noting in May that "the discussion about a minimum age for social media can no longer be ignored."

The policy was formally detailed on Thursday and was also previewed in the EU chief's annual address to the EU Parliament on Wednesday. Some individual EU countries, including France and Spain, have already introduced their own measures to limit children's social media usage.