A leading EU official urges stricter controls on kids' access to social media. The proposal targets users under 13, citing safety concerns. Other countries have already enacted similar bans. Tech platforms may face new requirements.
Media and publishing professionals tracking regulatory shifts should note a new push from the European Union to restrict children's access to social media. On Monday, a senior EU official called for tighter controls, recommending that children under 13 be barred from using platforms unless companies can demonstrate their safety.
This move follows a special EU panel's recommendation to prohibit access for users under 13 until tech firms provide evidence that their platforms are safe for young users. The proposal reflects growing concern about the impact of social media on developing brains and the potential risks for children.
Countries including Australia, the U.K., Turkey, and Indonesia have already enacted bans preventing children under 15 or 16 from using platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, who has a medical background, also stated that children under 3 should not be exposed to screens at all.
