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European lawmakers are moving to introduce some of the world\u2019s toughest online child protection rules, proposing a minimum age of 16 to use social media, video-sharing platforms and AI companions without parental consent. <\/p>\n
The plan, advanced by the European Parliament\u2019s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, reflects deepening concern over the impact of digital technologies on children\u2019s mental health and safety.<\/p>\n
The committee\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
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 \u201ckidfluencing,\u201d where children act as paid influencers.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s plan to study the idea of a \u201cdigital majority age.\u201d Von der Leyen has already expressed support for restricting social media use for under-16s, with an expert panel expected to report by year\u2019s end on possible EU-wide frameworks.<\/p>\n
Individual governments are moving in parallel. Denmark\u2019s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen recently proposed banning social media for under-15s, warning that mobile phones and online platforms were \u201cstealing our children\u2019s childhood.\u201d <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019 ages\u2014an approach cited as a model in EU discussions.<\/p>\n
Under the proposed framework, enforcement would fall within the scope of the EU\u2019s 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\u2014a decision likely to shape global standards on youth access to online platforms.<\/p>\n