Lead

A panel of experts advising the European Union on online child protection has recommended that children under 13 be allowed to use social media only under the supervision of their carers or at school. The recommendation was presented in a report in Brussels on Monday, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU's executive body would put forward legislative proposals regarding children's social media use after the summer.

Coverage Comparison

Deutsche Welle reported that the panel, consisting of doctors, academics, youth representatives, and parents, also recommended that babies and toddlers be kept away from any screens, that children between three and 12 be allowed only supervised use of 'age-appropriate social media' and devices, and that teenagers between 13 and 18 be allowed 'evolving autonomous use' of social media and other digital platforms that have 'key safety features'. The same report noted that Australia is cited as a model for social media age limits.

The Guardian — World added that at least ten EU member states have announced plans for social media bans for children, citing specific examples: France has pledged to ban social media for under-15s, Spain wants restrictions for under-16s, and Greece will introduce curbs for under-15s on 1 January 2027. The Guardian also included Estonia as a dissenting voice, arguing for a focus on regulating platforms because children will find a way around any bans.

Both outlets quoted von der Leyen's remarks: "This is not about whether children can access social media. It is about whether and when social media can access our children," she told reporters in Brussels.

Key Claims

  • The EU panel recommends social media restrictions for under-13s.
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for legislative proposals regarding children's social media use.
  • Australia is cited as a model for social media age limits.
  • The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) requires social media giants to put child-protection measures in place.
  • At least ten EU member states have announced plans for social media bans for children.
  • The European Commission found Meta to have breached DSA rules due to the addictive design of its platforms and the resulting harm to users, including minors.
  • Von der Leyen called for 'age-appropriate restrictions' implemented in a 'phased and gradual' manner.

Perspectives

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

Von der Leyen called for "age-appropriate restrictions" implemented in a "phased and gradual" manner, emphasizing that children need "time in the real world" before algorithms shape their identities. She said the report's "staged approach" was "very convincing" but declined to specify a minimum age.

The Expert Panel

Chaired by German child and adolescent psychiatrist Jörg Fegert and French epidemiologist Maria Melchior, the panel recommended an EU-wide delay to "social media plus" for under-13s—a term referring to platforms that use similar features, such as video games or AI chatbots. It suggested governments may opt for higher "precautionary" age restrictions.

Estonia

Estonia is a lone voice against the measures, arguing for a focus on regulating platforms because children will find a way around any bans.