EU Social Media Ban Children's Digital Safety Australia Social Media Ban Ursula von der Leyen Digital Services Act France Social Media Ban Spain Social Media Ban Eurochild Position Age Verification Technology Kids Online Safety

EU Moves to Ban Social Media for Kids: Europe Follows Australia's Bold Lead

The European Union is preparing strict controls on children's social media access, with an expert report likely to recommend limiting minors' online activity for safety-mirroring Australia's historic ban for under-16s.

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The European Union is stepping into the global spotlight with plans to implement strict controls on children's access to social media platforms. An expert report expected next week in Brussels is poised to recommend limiting minors' online activities to ensure their safety, marking a significant shift in digital policy across Europe.

Following Australia's Historic Ban

This move closely follows Australia's recent decision to become the first nation to ban social media for children under 16. The Australian law has set a precedent that European policymakers are now actively considering, with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backing the idea of an EU-wide age limit similar to Australia's new legislation.

National Bans Are Already Taking Shape

So far, Spain and France are the only European countries introducing concrete measures. France could become the first European nation to impose a ban, with lawmakers debating legislation that would restrict social media access for under-15s. Under the new rules, platforms would use third-party technologies to verify users' age.

Other nations are still weighing their options. Portugal is planning to implement parental consent for 13 to 16-year-olds, while Italy, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia want to restrict access to specific social media platforms.

Beyond Age Restrictions: A Rights-Based Approach

However, experts argue that age restrictions alone won't keep children safe. Eurochild's position paper emphasizes that the EU should prioritize children's rights-based, safe-by-default regulation that tackles platforms' risk-driving business models and design choices. The organization calls for a rights-based framework where any age-gating is necessary, proportionate, and privacy-preserving, paired with stronger independent risk assessments and researcher access to data.

What Comes Next?

As the European Commission prepares its guidelines on the Digital Services Act (DSA) and minors, the debate continues to intensify. With the enforcement technology already in place, the EU is moving toward a continent-wide age limit that could reshape how children interact with the digital world.