EU social media rules could soon limit children’s access to social media after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for new online safety legislation.
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Speaking in Brussels, von der Leyen presented recommendations prepared by two experts. Under the proposal, children under 13 could only use social media for limited periods and only with supervision from parents, caregivers or teachers.
As children grow older, the restrictions would gradually ease. Consequently, teenagers would receive greater access according to their age.
“We need age-appropriate restrictions on platforms,” von der Leyen said. She added that the priority is now creating a safer digital environment for children.
Meanwhile, the European Commission is expected to review the recommendations after the summer. Afterward, it plans to present formal legislation during von der Leyen’s State of the Union address in September.
Several countries already enforce or are considering similar measures. For example, Australia, Britain, China, India and the United States have introduced or proposed restrictions on major social media platforms.
Furthermore, the proposed rules would mainly target social media platforms and online services with addictive or age-inappropriate features.
Von der Leyen described the initiative as “social media plus.” First, the EU will define which services fall under the new framework. Then, it will introduce a gradual age-based access system.
Ultimately, the proposal aims to improve children’s online safety. At the same time, it seeks to give teenagers greater digital independence as they mature.
