European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed support for introducing age-based restrictions on children's access to social media, presenting a report by the co-chairs of a special committee on online child safety.
Von der Leyen said parents should have the primary role in deciding when their children are allowed to open social media accounts. She also indicated that the Commission is expected to present legislative proposals on age limits after the summer.
The report recommends three main categories:
- No screen exposure for children up to the age of three
- Access only under parental supervision for children under 13
- Gradual access for those aged 13 and over, depending on whether platforms can demonstrate they are safe for young users
According to von der Leyen, experts advise against any screen exposure for toddlers under the age of three, citing the sensitivity of brain development during this stage of life.
For children under 13, the recommendation is that social media use should be permitted only under the supervision of parents, guardians or educators and subject to strict time limits.
She said the objective is to give children sufficient time to develop in the real world, build relationships and shape their personalities before being influenced by algorithms.
For teenagers aged 13 and above, access would depend on whether platforms can prove they are safe and appropriate for young users.
Under the proposed approach, technology companies would be responsible for demonstrating that their services meet safety and age-appropriateness standards before minors are allowed access.
Von der Leyen stressed that any restrictions would not apply to the entire internet, but rather to a category of services described as "social media plus," encompassing social media platforms and other digital services that include addictive features or content considered unsuitable for minors.
Asked whether the EU would introduce a single age limit across all member states, she stopped short of committing to a specific threshold. However, she said the Commission would examine the experts' recommendations and present legislation after the summer.
She emphasised that the goal is a harmonised European approach to avoid fragmentation among member states, arguing that online risks "do not respect borders".
"We cannot expect children to protect themselves," she said, comparing social media restrictions to age requirements for driving a car.
Von der Leyen also pointed to growing evidence of the impact of excessive social media use on young people, noting that many spend between four and six hours a day on online platforms. She cited concerns including sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety and cyberbullying.
The report follows three and a half months of work by child psychiatrists and other experts involved in the committee, with the aim of producing recommendations based on scientific evidence rather than political considerations.
Source: CNA
