Europe is moving toward stricter rules on children’s use of social media. The European Union plans to limit access for kids under 13 unless a parent or teacher supervises them. For teens aged 13 to 18, platforms must add safety features like limits on endless scrolling.
Children in Europe spend up to six hours a day on apps like TikTok and Instagram. That’s a lot of screen time. Experts warn it affects young people’s mental health. A recent report found nearly 60 percent of kids showed signs of depression, anxiety, sleep troubles, and problems with focus because of social media.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said, “It is clear we need age-appropriate restrictions to platforms.” She stressed this is about controlling when social media gets access to children, not just if children get access. She called for a phased, gradual approach to these limits.
The EU’s 27 member states include about 81 million people under 18. Several countries have started taking action. Greece plans to ban social media for under-15s starting January 1, 2027. France is preparing a law to ban children under 15 from social media, though the EU asked France to adjust the draft to fit EU rules.
Germany is debating two options: a fixed minimum age of 13 or rules that vary by platform. The EU also investigated TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram for features that might harm kids or make them addicted. The Digital Services Act gives the EU power to force platforms to change and fine them if they break the law.
Global Trends in Social Media Limits for Kids
Europe is not alone. Australia banned social media for children under 16 in December 2025. It plans to double fines for companies breaking this rule, with penalties reaching nearly 100 million Australian dollars—about 68 million US dollars. Other countries have made similar moves.
China extended restrictions on minors’ social media and streaming use in March 2023. Malaysia limits social media access for under-16s since June 2023. Turkey passed a law banning social media for under-15s in April 2023. The United Arab Emirates also bans children under 15 from social media.
What Experts Recommend for Kids and Screens
The expert panel behind the EU report made clear recommendations. They said babies and toddlers should have no screen time at all. Children ages three to 12 should only use age-appropriate social media under supervision. Teens from 13 to 18 can use social media more independently but only on platforms with key safety features.
Dr. Jörg M. Fegert, a child psychologist who co-authored the report, warned, “Children and adolescents are facing serious risks right now.” The EU expects platforms to prove their services do no harm. Von der Leyen emphasized, “Whoever develops a product is responsible for its safety.”
This shift shows how serious the problem has become. Social media can connect and entertain kids. But without limits, it can also harm their mental health and development. Europe’s new rules aim to strike a balance: letting children enjoy digital life safely, while protecting them from harm.
Based on
- Europe takes step toward social media ban for kids — engadget.com
- EU to limit children’s access to social media — gradually — france24.com
- EU moves closer to kicking kids off social media — france24.com
- Growing list of countries move to ban social media for children — france24.com
- EU tells France to amend social media ban law — france24.com
