Europe tightens children's social media rules
European countries are introducing stricter rules to limit children's access to social media, with governments citing growing concerns over online addiction, harmful content and the impact of excessive screen time on young people's mental health.
The measures include minimum age requirements, mandatory age verification systems and expanded restrictions on smartphone use in schools, as policymakers seek to strengthen child protection across the digital environment.
France leads with under-15 ban
France has approved legislation banning children under 15 from opening social media accounts from Sept. 1.
Under the law, platforms will be required to implement age verification systems and close existing accounts belonging to children under 15 within four months. The French government also plans to extend restrictions on mobile phone use from primary and middle schools to high schools beginning in the next academic year.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a new EU digital age verification application is technically ready and will soon be launched, arguing that addictive platform features such as infinite scrolling pose risks to children.
More countries tighten restrictions
Germany is considering introducing a minimum age for social media following an expert report recommending 13 as the lowest age for access, with additional safeguards for teenagers.
Greece plans to prohibit children under 15 from opening social media accounts from Jan. 1, 2027, while Norway is preparing legislation that would limit access to users aged 16 and older if approved by parliament.
The UK is also considering stricter rules for children under 16, while Finland has recommended that children under 13 should neither own smartphones nor use social media. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has expressed support for restrictions on users under 15.
Sweden plans to tighten rules on mobile phone use in classrooms, while Denmark is preparing restrictions for children under 15 supported by age verification technology.
School phone bans expand
Poland will prohibit students under 16 from using mobile phones in schools from Sept. 1 and is drafting legislation to regulate social media access for children under 15.
The Czech Republic is preparing legislation to restrict social media access for those under 15 while also banning mobile phones and other electronic communication devices in schools.
Similar proposals are under discussion or preparation in Spain, Portugal, Austria, Italy, Slovenia and the Baltic states, with several governments combining social media regulation with broader measures to reduce screen time in schools.
EU considers common approach
The European Parliament has adopted a non-binding report calling for a minimum age of 16 for social media access across the European Union.
The report recommends that children aged 13 to 16 should only be permitted to use digital platforms with parental consent and urges stronger protections against online practices designed to encourage addictive behaviour.
Lawmakers argue that a more coordinated European approach would better protect children's physical and mental health while addressing the growing influence of digital platforms on young people.
Source:AA
