EU unveils plan to limit children's access to social media

The European Union has announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 16 across all member states, aiming to improve wellbeing and address online safety concerns.

The proposal sets out a tiered approach based on age. Children under 13 would be banned from accessing social media platforms entirely. Those aged 13 to 15 would be limited to one hour of daily access, through "mini accounts" created via a parent or guardian's existing social media account.

The European Commission said social media companies would be required to demonstrate that their platforms are safe by design. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the initiative would put parents back in the driving seat, giving them tools to help their children navigate a safer online world.

Independent accounts only from age 15

Under the plan, only children aged 15 and older would be permitted to set up their own social media accounts. Von der Leyen had already signalled this direction in May, saying the debate over a minimum age for social media could no longer be avoided.

The initiative, formally named the EU Kids Act, was officially presented on Thursday, after being previewed in von der Leyen's annual address to the European Parliament the day before.

Several EU countries, including France and Spain, have already announced their own separate national plans to restrict children's access to social media.