Estonia's Ministry of Justice broadly supports EU-wide age restrictions for social media, awaits concrete proposals
Estonia generally backs EU-level age restrictions on social media for children, but adopts a wait-and-see approach pending specific legislative initiatives.
A report by a group of experts, intended to form the basis of future European Commission proposals for child protection online, was presented in Brussels. Estonia's Ministry of Justice broadly supports the recommendations but is taking a cautious stance. Although media increasingly discusses a possible ban on social media for children, the report itself does not yet offer concrete legislative solutions. The authors merely recommend developing a common approach across EU countries regarding the use of social media by children under 13.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that to protect childhood, we must start with areas where risks are highest. First and foremost, attention should be paid to platforms that harm children, and available data shows that these are primarily social media and other services with age-inappropriate and addictive features.
Estonian Minister of Justice and Digital Technology Liisa Pakosta said that they are not saying children should not use social media at all, but that young children need guidance and education on safe use, and responsibility should lie with the platforms themselves. She noted that the recommendation for platforms to stop using manipulative mechanisms is very close to Estonia's position. It remains unclear, however, how social media use for children under 13 will look – whether under parental control, with time limits, or otherwise. The report does not specify next steps, so Estonia will await concrete legislative proposals. The minister emphasized that nowhere in the report is there a call for a complete ban on social media for under-13s; the only clear provision concerns children from birth to two years, for whom screen time is not recommended at all.
The report also notes that countries may set a higher age threshold if they deem it necessary. However, Estonia does not plan to do so. Specific proposals from the European Commission are expected in September.
