The European Union intends to restrict children's access to social media platforms across its 27 member states, recommending gradual and phased access by age to better protect young users [1, 2, 3]. An expert panel advised that children under 13 should only use social media under parental, caregiver, or teacher supervision and for limited time periods [1, 2, 3]. The panel further recommended no screen time at all for children under 3 years old [3, 4].
For teenagers aged 13 to 18, the EU envisions gradually increasing autonomy on social media use combined with mandatory safety features built into platforms [3, 4]. The EU executive led by Ursula von der Leyen plans to propose binding legislation after summer 2026 to harmonize rules across all member states [1, 2, 3]. Von der Leyen said, "This is not about whether children can access social media. It is about whether and when social media can access our children" [1]. She also added, "We need age-appropriate restrictions to platforms" [2].
The EU considers not only social media but also other digital platforms with addictive or age-inappropriate features as targets for regulation [2, 5]. Investigations found Meta (Facebook, Instagram) and TikTok violated the Digital Services Act by using addictive features like infinite scrolling and autoplay [1, 2]. Von der Leyen stated, "The platforms were the architects of these systems. Now they must prove that their services do no harm... And the very same must be true for big tech" [6].
Support among Europeans for age limits on social media is strong, with over 60% in favor of restrictions or bans for younger children [6]. Public opinions vary across EU member states. Spain and France want bans for children under 16, while Greece plans restrictions starting January 2027 for those under 15 [1, 2]. Estonia opposes outright bans, advocating for platform regulation instead [1, 2].
Australia’s recently implemented law banning social media access for under-16s is cited as a model, though its effectiveness remains debated [2, 3]. To enforce age limits, the EU plans to develop an age verification app to control platform access [6].
Von der Leyen is expected to announce concrete proposals on children's social media access restrictions in her state of the union address in September 2026 [5, 7].
