EU Commission proposes social media ban for children under 13
The plan would force platforms to prove child safety and could fine companies up to 6% of global annual turnover.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a new Kids Act on Thursday to ban social media for children under 13 across the European Union, requiring platforms to prove their services are safe for minors.
- Individual European Union member states have already introduced social media limits on teenagers, reflecting a global push toward stricter regulation; Australia became the first country worldwide to ban social media for children under 16 in December 2025.
- The proposal introduces "mini accounts" for 13-15 year olds with parental supervision and limited features, capped at one hour daily. Platforms must demonstrate their environments are safe for minors to comply.
- EU member nations will now vote on the proposal, which could spark tensions with President Donald Trump, who has long criticized European tech regulations. Legal experts call the act a potential "new EU behemoth."
- Critics warn policymakers should avoid one-size-fits-all solutions for digital safety, as some students and experts argue parental involvement and responsible platform design are equally important as age restrictions. Implementation could take years pending individual member state approval.
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For young people under 18 years of age, strict rules on the use of social networks are to be applied in the EU on an age-by-age basis.The proposed law is complicated and differs greatly from how the US opposes the platforms.
"Almost cried": children react to social media ban for those under 13. Watch the video on VRT NWS: news.
At the presentation of the EU Kids Act on Thursday, 17 September, Ursula von der Leyen stated that two principles had been included in the French law.
The new law also provides for parental control of adolescents between the ages of 13 and 15.
Plans of the European Commission: Rules for the Social Media Use of Children
Deutsche Welle
tempo.coEurope seeks stricter age limits for social media
The European Commission wants to bar children under 13 from social media platforms and curb addictive features such as infinite scrolling. Companies that fail to comply could face hefty fines.
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