EU pushes for bloc-wide age limit of 16 for social media use

European lawmakers are moving to introduce some of the world’s toughest online child protection rules, proposing a minimum age of 16 to use social media, video-sharing platforms and AI companions without parental consent.

The plan, advanced by the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, reflects deepening concern over the impact of digital technologies on children’s mental health and safety.

The committee’s report, adopted by a large majority, is set for a full parliamentary vote between November 24 and 27. It recommends that children under 13 be barred entirely from social media, even with parental permission.

The proposal also targets engagement-driven algorithms, addictive design features and gambling-style mechanisms such as loot boxes in games accessible to minors. Platforms would be prohibited from monetising or incentivising “kidfluencing,” where children act as paid influencers.

Christel Schaldemose, the Danish MEP leading the initiative, said the rules must evolve to meet new digital threats, stressing the need for stronger safeguards and a higher access threshold to protect minors online.

The proposal aligns with growing political support across Europe. Twenty-five EU member states, along with Norway and Iceland, have endorsed a declaration backing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s plan to study the idea of a “digital majority age.” Von der Leyen has already expressed support for restricting social media use for under-16s, with an expert panel expected to report by year’s end on possible EU-wide frameworks.

Individual governments are moving in parallel. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen recently proposed banning social media for under-15s, warning that mobile phones and online platforms were “stealing our children’s childhood.”

France has introduced similar measures, with President Emmanuel Macron advocating a digital age of majority at 15 and requiring platforms to block access for younger users without guardian approval.

The EU debate mirrors global momentum on the issue. Australia will enforce one of the strictest regimes from December 2025, banning social media for under-16s and threatening major fines for companies that fail to verify users’ ages—an approach cited as a model in EU discussions.

Under the proposed framework, enforcement would fall within the scope of the EU’s Digital Services Act, with penalties and potential platform bans for non-compliance. The vote in November will test how far the bloc is willing to go to reconcile digital participation with child protection—a decision likely to shape global standards on youth access to online platforms.

Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative is current, with the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee adopting the proposal on October 16, 2025. Similar initiatives have been reported in other countries, such as Denmark and France, indicating a broader trend. ([brusselstimes.com](https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1798635/minimum-age-of-16-for-social-media-proposed-in-eu?utm_source=openai))

Quotes check

Score:
9

Notes:
Direct quotes from Danish MEP Christel Schaldemose are consistent across multiple reputable sources, suggesting originality. ([brusselstimes.com](https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1798635/minimum-age-of-16-for-social-media-proposed-in-eu?utm_source=openai))

Source reliability

Score:
7

Notes:
The narrative originates from Insider Paper, which is not widely recognised. However, the content aligns with reports from established outlets like The Brussels Times and Euronews, lending credibility. ([brusselstimes.com](https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1798635/minimum-age-of-16-for-social-media-proposed-in-eu?utm_source=openai))

Plausability check

Score:
8

Notes:
The proposal for a minimum age of 16 for social media access aligns with ongoing EU discussions and similar initiatives in other countries. The narrative includes specific details about the committee’s vote and the proposed measures, enhancing its plausibility. ([brusselstimes.com](https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1798635/minimum-age-of-16-for-social-media-proposed-in-eu?utm_source=openai))

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is current and aligns with ongoing EU legislative efforts to protect minors online. Direct quotes from a reputable MEP are consistent across multiple sources, and the content is corroborated by established news outlets. The source’s lower recognition is mitigated by the consistency and corroboration of the information.