EU Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-13s Amid Child Safety Concerns
UKPulse News Desk
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged an EU-wide social media ban for children, following expert recommendations for restrictions on under-13s. The move aims to protect young users from the potentially harmful effects of platforms and their 'predatory algorithms'.
- Ursula von der Leyen has committed to an EU-wide social media ban for children, with a draft law expected in the autumn of 2026.
- An expert panel recommended delaying access to 'social media plus' (including video games and AI chatbots) for under-13s, citing vulnerability and potential harm.
- The European Commission is already investigating Meta and TikTok over the 'addictive' nature of their apps, highlighting features like infinite scroll and personalised algorithms.
- Several EU member states, including France and Spain, have already announced plans for age restrictions on social media, some stricter than the 13-year recommendation.
- The initiative underscores a growing focus on designing a 'safe by design' internet, with parallels drawn to safety standards in other industries.
The European Commission has announced plans to introduce an EU-wide ban on social media for under-13s, in a bid to protect younger internet users from the potential harms of digital platforms and their algorithms. This move follows a report from an expert group highlighting the vulnerability of children aged 10-13 to the effects of social media use, particularly concerning body image among girls.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed strong support for the "staged approach" to internet use advocated by the panel, which recommends different guidelines based on age groups. While she did not specify a minimum age for the proposed ban, a draft law is anticipated in autumn 2026, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of social media on child safety.
The expert group, co-chaired by German child psychiatrist Jörg Fegert and French epidemiologist Maria Melchior, identified the period between 10 and 13 as "a particularly vulnerable phase" for children. US research cited in their report points to significant harm from social media use at this age.
The move aligns with a broader trend of stricter regulation of online content for minors across the globe. Australia was the first country to implement a ban on social media for under-16s, and several EU member states have announced similar plans or restrictions. France aims to ban social media for under-15s, while Spain is considering restrictions for under-16s. Greece's curbs for under-15s are set to come into effect on 1 January 2027.
The European Commission's initiative builds on its existing concerns about the design of social media platforms. Preliminary investigations have been concluded against Meta and TikTok, alleging that these companies have failed to address the risks posed by their apps' addictive features, including infinite scroll, video autoplay, push notifications, and highly-personalised algorithms.
Why this matters: This proposed EU-wide ban could significantly influence how social media companies operate globally, including their services in the UK. It highlights a growing international consensus on the need to protect children online and could spark similar debates and policy considerations within the UK.
What this means for you: What this means for you: While the UK is no longer part of the EU, any significant regulatory changes within the bloc often set precedents or influence policy discussions here. UK parents, educators, and policymakers will be closely watching these developments, and it could prompt renewed calls for similar measures or platform adjustments in the UK to protect children. Tech companies operating in the UK may also adapt their services in anticipation of broader regulatory trends.