Beirut: European countries are introducing new regulations to shield children and teenagers from the potential harms of social media, including exposure to inappropriate content, addiction, and negative effects on mental health. France's parliament recently approved a bill banning children under 15 from accessing social media, with lawmakers saying the measure is necessary to protect French children. Under the bill, social media platforms will be required to introduce age verification systems, and children under 15 will not be allowed to open social media accounts from September 1. Platforms will also be required to close existing accounts belonging to children under 15 within four months.
According to Anadolu Agency, the French government also said it is preparing to extend restrictions on mobile phone use, already in force in primary and middle schools, to high schools from the next academic year. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also said a new digital age verification application aimed at improving children's online safety is technically ready and will soon be launched. Von der Leyen noted that social media platforms use highly addictive designs, adding that the "infinite scroll" feature fuels addiction.
In Germany, a government-commissioned expert report renewed concerns over the effects of social media on young people. The report recommended phased protective measures for teenagers aged 13 to 18 and proposed setting 13 as the minimum age for social media use by children. Digital Affairs Minister Karsten Wildberger expressed openness to introducing an age limit for children's social media use, citing the negative impact on young people's development.
Greece has also declared that new rules on social media use by children under 15 will take effect on January 1, 2027. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted concerns from parents and experts about stress, poor sleep, and the constant checking of phones by children, noting that prolonged screen time impacts their brains. He mentioned that children under 15 would not be allowed to open social media accounts under the new measures.
Norway's government is also preparing legislation to regulate social media access for children under 16. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store stated that the bill would be submitted to parliament later this year and, if approved, would take effect in 2027, aiming to allow only children over 16 to access social media. In the UK, former Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned ongoing family concerns regarding children's online safety and his discussions with social media companies during his tenure to expedite protective measures.
Nordic nations like Finland and Sweden are also taking steps to address children's online habits. Finland's health and education authorities recommend against smartphone ownership and social media use by children under 13, while Sweden plans to introduce new restrictions on mobile phone use in classrooms. Denmark is securing political support for measures that regulate social media access for those under 15, and Poland is working on legislation to limit screen time and social media use among students.
Spain is preparing to restrict social media access for children under 16, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announcing additional oversight measures for digital platforms. Portugal has taken legislative steps to regulate access for children under 13, allowing those aged 13 to 16 to use social media only with parental consent. Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and the Baltic states are also moving towards introducing social media restrictions for young users.
The European Parliament has adopted a report recommending a minimum age of 16 for children's social media access across the EU, highlighting the physical and mental health risks involved and calling for stronger protection against manipulative strategies that foster addiction and hinder healthy online interactions.
Australia set a precedent by banning children under 16 from accessing social media platforms in December 2025.