The Push For Age Limits In Social Media Use Is Growing. Europe Is Now Joining The List

The European Union is preparing to tighten children’s access to social media platforms, marking one of its most significant efforts yet to address growing concerns about the impact of online services on young users.

The proposal comes as governments around the world continue strengthening online safety measures amid increasing concerns over children’s mental health, exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying and the spread of misinformation.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Monday that the European Union will move to introduce age-appropriate restrictions for children using social media across its 27 member states, Reuters reported. The announcement accompanied the release of recommendations from two experts outlining a tiered system that would gradually expand access as children grow older.

Under the recommendations, children younger than 13 would be allowed to use social media only for limited periods under the supervision of parents, caregivers or teachers. The restrictions would gradually ease as teenagers mature, reflecting different levels of digital independence based on age.

“It is clear we need age-appropriate restrictions to platforms,” von der Leyen told reporters in Brussels. She added that the debate has shifted beyond whether children face risks online and is now focused on how governments can provide a safer digital environment for young users.

Von der Leyen indicated she intends to build on experts’ recommendations, with the European Commission expected to present a formal legislative proposal after the summer.

The European Union has steadily expanded its oversight of large technology platforms in recent years through measures such as the Digital Services Act, which requires online companies to better protect minors, remove illegal content and assess systemic risks posed by their services. The Associated Press reported earlier this year that the European Commission has increased investigations into major technology companies over child safety and platform accountability under the legislation.

The latest proposal also reflects a broader international shift toward stricter rules governing children’s social media use. Australia approved legislation in late 2025 establishing one of the world’s toughest restrictions by setting a minimum age of 16 for most social media platforms, BBC News reported, making the country one of the first to introduce a nationwide age threshold.

Britain has also strengthened oversight of online platforms through its Online Safety Act, which requires technology companies to introduce stronger protections for children and prevent minors from accessing harmful material, Reuters previously reported as implementation of the law moved forward this year.

Countries outside Europe are reviewing similar measures as well. According to Reuters, governments in Australia, Britain, China, India and the United States have either introduced social media restrictions for children or are considering new rules. The proposals primarily affect platforms including Meta Platforms’ Facebook and Instagram as well as Alphabet’s YouTube.

The issue has become increasingly prominent as regulators examine the effects of social media on children’s mental health and well-being. Several governments have cited concerns including excessive screen time, exposure to inappropriate content, addictive platform features and online harassment when introducing or considering stricter rules.

Major technology companies have responded by rolling out additional parental controls, teen accounts and age verification tools in recent years. Meta has expanded special protections for teenage users on Instagram, while YouTube has introduced supervised experiences and additional safeguards for younger audiences.