- European governments are racing to shield children from social media harms, proposing age bans as research links heavy online exposure to anxiety, addiction and developmental risks in still-maturing young minds.
- Plans for strict age limits raise tough questions over enforcement, privacy and effectiveness, as experts warn that identity checks, digital IDs and parental consent systems may prove intrusive, unreliable bypassed.
- Critics argue real reform lies in redesigning platforms themselves, curbing addictive features like infinite scrolling and autoplay, while supporters insist governments cannot wait, saying restrictions are needed to reduce harm.
European governments are moving toward stricter limits on children’s access to social media, but experts are questioning whether such bans can be effectively enforced — and whether they address the root problems of online platforms.
Days after French lawmakers voted in favor of a social media ban for children under 15, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pledged to shield young people from what he called the digital “Wild West.” He warned that children are navigating online spaces marked by addiction, abuse, manipulation and violence, often without adequate protection.
Growing concern among policymakers is driven by research linking heavy social media use to anxiety and other mental health challenges among minors. Specialists note that children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable because their cognitive and emotional development is still underway.
The debate has gained momentum across Europe. France is advancing legislation to restrict access for under-15s, while Spain is considering a ban for those under 16 as part of a broader bill.
Denmark has reached a multiparty political agreement aimed at limiting children’s exposure to harmful online content, though legislation has yet to take effect. Italy, Greece, Portugal and Austria are also exploring restrictions, and the United Kingdom has opened consultations on the issue. European parliamentarians have previously recommended an EU-wide approach, suggesting access with parental consent for teenagers.
Support has also come from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has backed the idea of a minimum digital age similar to Australia’s new law setting a social media age limit of 16, dw.com reports.
A key challenge is verification. One proposal under discussion is an EU-wide digital identity system that would allow users to confirm they are above a certain age without revealing detailed personal data. Advocates say such a system could balance privacy and enforcement. Critics, however, argue that the technical details remain unclear and that data protection risks have not been fully addressed.
Skeptics also warn that age bans may be largely symbolic. Youth digital rights advocates argue that restricting access by age does not tackle platform features designed to maximize engagement, such as autoplay videos and endless scrolling, which they say fuel compulsive use.
They also question whether a specific age cutoff can be justified, given limited research on the precise point at which risks diminish.
At the EU level, the Digital Services Act already requires very large online platforms to assess and reduce risks to minors, including through changes to algorithms and platform design.
However, some experts believe enforcement has been slow and that member states are turning to national bans out of frustration with the pace of change.
The debate highlights a broader tension between child protection, digital freedoms and privacy. While governments argue urgent action is needed, the question remains whether bans can be implemented in a way that is both effective and respectful of fundamental rights.
