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Children should have “step-by-step and gradual access” to social media, according to EU leader Ursula von der Leyen on Monday, as experts advised that kids under 13 should only use online platforms with adult supervision.
The European Union has been contemplating a ban on social media for minors after some member countries, including Greece and France, pushed for restrictions. Pressure has grown for a broader EU-wide ban similar to Australia’s approach.
To base decisions on solid evidence, von der Leyen commissioned a panel of doctors, scholars, youth representatives, and parents to provide guidance. Their recommendations were delivered on Monday.
She emphasized that “consensus exists that there should be a clear starting age for children to access social media,” advocating for “age-appropriate restrictions.” She explained, “This isn’t about whether children can or cannot use social media; it’s about whether and when social media companies should be allowed to reach our children.”
A formal legal proposal is expected later this year. Von der Leyen added, “We must consider a phased, age-specific approach,” outlining suggestions such as:
– No screen time for infants and toddlers
– Supervised, age-appropriate social media use for children ages three to 12
– Increasing independence for teens aged 13 to 18, utilizing social platforms that include essential safety features
Platforms “must demonstrate that their services do not cause harm. In Europe, the developer of a product is responsible for its safety,” von der Leyen said.
One of the panel’s co-chairs, Jorg Fegert, highlighted the urgency, stating, “The entire ecosystem around children needs to change, but we don’t have much time. Kids and teens are facing serious risks right now.”
The report did not propose an outright ban on digital platforms like social media, and von der Leyen did not endorse such measures. Recently, the EU has increased calls for platforms to modify their features, urging Facebook and Instagram to remove addictive elements after similar warnings to TikTok in February.
Addressing harmful design, the EU faces challenges in harmonizing rules across 27 countries, as some nations, such as Spain, want to ban under-16s from accessing social networks, while others like France want to restrict users aged 15 and under. Countries like Estonia oppose bans altogether.
Von der Leyen announced that the European Commission would carefully review their individual proposals, incorporate their findings, and develop a unified plan to create common standards.
The EU already has strengthened regulations to monitor Big Tech and protect users, with plans for additional rules ahead. EU consumer protection chief Michael McGrath pledged that upcoming legislation, expected later this year, will enhance safeguarding children from addictive design features. “Digital markets are crafted to grab attention and influence behavior. The new rules will empower consumers to make informed choices free from manipulation,” McGrath said in an AFP statement.
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