The European Union (EU) has announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 15 as part of efforts to improve their well-being and strengthen online safety. Under the proposed rules, children below 13 would be barred from accessing social media platforms, while those aged 13 to 15 would be limited to one hour of daily access through “mini accounts” linked to a parent or guardian’s account.
The European Commission said social media companies would be required to demonstrate that their platforms are safe by design or risk fines of up to six per cent of their global turnover. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the proposal would put parents “back in the driving seat” by providing them with tools to help their children navigate the online environment more safely.
The proposed legislation, known as the EU Kids Act, would apply not only to major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat, but also to YouTube and other video-sharing services, artificial intelligence chatbots and online gaming platforms. “Too many children are being exposed too early to an online world they are not ready to navigate – an environment where bullying can follow you home, where every mistake can be recorded forever,” von der Leyen said.
Under the proposal, only individuals aged 15 and above would be allowed to create independent social media accounts. However, von der Leyen told the European Parliament that introducing an age limit would not absolve technology companies of responsibility for content available on their platforms.
She said that, if approved, the legislation would require companies to submit detailed child-safety plans and ensure that their services were designed with the safety of minors in mind. “For every person under 18, the platforms must follow the principle of safety by design, no toxic or addictive features, no traps, etc,” she said.
Several EU member states, including France and Spain, have already announced measures aimed at limiting children’s access to social media. The proposed EU-wide regulation would take precedence over such national measures, and member states would not be able to opt out if it becomes legally binding. The European Commission is reportedly considering requiring some member states to repeal national laws enacted before the EU Kids Act takes effect.
The proposal must still be approved by EU member states and the European Parliament. Questions have already emerged over how the rules would be enforced, with the legislation expected to face further debate and opposition.
France offers an indication of some of the potential challenges ahead. The French government had proposed banning social media access for under-15s, but the country’s top court blocked the measure last month, ruling that it infringed on freedom of expression. French authorities have since revised the proposal.
Privacy concerns have also been raised over the proposed restrictions, particularly the possibility that teenagers could be required to provide personal information to verify their ages. The European Commission, however, said age verification would be carried out through the EU’s existing age-verification application, with no personal data collected or shared. Social media companies are expected to present their positions on the proposed restrictions as discussions on the legislation continue.
Von der Leyen had previously called for a “delay” in children’s access to social media, arguing in May that discussions over establishing a minimum age for social media could no longer be ignored. The policy was formally outlined on Thursday and had also been previewed during her annual address on Wednesday.
In July, the European Union warned Meta to alter what it described as the “addictive” design of Facebook and Instagram or risk facing heavy fines. The European Commission’s preliminary findings highlighted features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, and personalised recommendations as drivers of “compulsive use,” particularly among children and teenagers.
A Meta spokesperson told the BBC the company disagreed with the assessment, arguing it failed to reflect the “significant steps we’ve taken to protect teens.” Separately, in August Meta agreed to an $18 billion (£13.3 billion) settlement with U.S. states and territories over claims that Facebook and Instagram harmed children, while denying any wrongdoing.
The Commission said its proposed legislation builds on recommendations from its special panel on child safety online, which called for age‑appropriate regulation tailored to different age groups. It also cited EU survey data showing that 92% of respondents ranked stronger online protections for children as a top policy priority.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that the EU looked to Australia’s example—where social media platforms were banned for under‑16s last year—when drafting the proposal. Enforcement there has proven difficult, however, with Communications Minister Anika Wells admitting earlier this month that no tech company has yet been fined despite evidence many under‑16s remain active online.
A similar ban for under‑16s is scheduled to take effect in the UK next spring.
