EU Proposes Child Social Media Restrictions and Age Limits

Von der Leyen Proposes EU-Wide Social Media Bans and Time Limits for Minors

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a social media delay for children across the European Union.

Under the plan announced during an EU summit in Copenhagen, children under 13 would be banned from platforms. Those aged 13 to 15 would be restricted to one hour per day via mini accounts linked to a parent or guardian.

The EU Kids Act Framework

The initiative, detailed by the European Commission, forms part of proposed bloc-wide legislation referred to as the EU Kids Act.

Only teenagers aged 15 and over would be permitted to create standalone social media accounts. The framework would require platforms to implement safety-by-design standards, removing toxic or addictive features for users under 18. Age would be verified through the EU’s existing digital verification tools.

Fragmented National Restrictions Across Member States

Individual member states have already advanced separate domestic measures. Denmark and nine other EU countries, including France, have proposed various minimum age limits.

France is pushing for a ban on social media access for children under 15 with a target implementation of September. Spain has planned restrictions for under-16s to combat addiction and harmful content.

The Portuguese government passed a bill requiring parental consent for users aged 13 to 16 alongside tighter rules for those under 13. Germany has explored a potential ban for children under 14.

Global Precedents and International Momentum

These national efforts follow international precedents, including Australia’s introduction of a ban for under-16s last December.

In the United Kingdom, plans are moving forward for strict regulations and potential bans for under-16s. A national consultation is slated to close on May 26, 2026, and Norway intends to implement a similar ban by the end of 2026. New Zealand, Malaysia, and India have also floated comparable restrictions.

Digital Services Act Enforcement and Transatlantic Friction

The European Commission has intensified enforcement against major technology firms under the Digital Services Act.

Last month, the Commission found that Meta platforms Instagram and Facebook had breached the act for failing to keep children under 13 off their services. In February, it threatened heavy fines against TikTok over addictive design elements.

The regulatory push has drawn pushback from the United States. Following European enforcement actions against platforms like Elon Musk’s X, the US administration accused the Commission of targeting American firms. This prompted travel restrictions on European figures including former EU commissioner Thierry Breton.

Addressing the friction, von der Leyen maintained that the bloc’s rules apply equally to all operators. “We’ve set rules. It’s the law, and those who break it will be held accountable,” she said.