EU moves to ban social media for under-13s amid child safety concerns

European Union policymakers have unveiled plans to implement a blanket prohibition on social media use for children under 13 years old, coupled with access restrictions for teenagers aged 13 to 15. The proposal represents one of the most stringent regulatory approaches toward youth social media consumption being considered by major jurisdictions.

The move comes as research continues to mount regarding social media's negative impacts on child development, mental health, and wellbeing. Policymakers across Europe have faced growing pressure to act on these findings, particularly following reports linking platform usage to increased anxiety, depression, and other psychological difficulties among young people.

The EU's approach targets both the age at which children can first access social platforms and the features available to older teenagers. The restrictions are intended to create a protective framework that removes younger children from environments designed to maximize engagement, while imposing additional safeguards for early adolescents.

The initiative reflects a broader shift in regulatory thinking worldwide, as governments seek to balance children's safety against arguments for digital participation and parental choice. Similar measures are being debated or implemented across other regions, signalling a potential turning point in how nations approach technology regulation for minors.