EU Weighs Age Limits and Safety Proofs for Teen Social Media Use

The European Union is considering new limits on children's and teenagers' access to social media, including age restrictions, possible outright bans for younger children, and requirements that platforms prove their services are safe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc's executive arm could propose legislation within months after reviewing a panel report released today.

The panel called for a phased approach: no screens at all for children under 3, supervised internet use for those under 13, and some limits for older teens. It also recommended that platforms demonstrate their services are not harmful before younger users are allowed access. Von der Leyen said she supports the safety-proof requirement.

Von der Leyen stated the Commission will consider the report and return with proposals after the summer. Any legislation would still require approval from the European Parliament and the EU's 27 member countries. A formal proposal would add momentum to similar efforts already underway in the UK and Australia.

A preliminary EU investigation last week found Meta in breach of the Digital Services Act over the addictive design of Facebook and Instagram. A similar finding was issued against TikTok earlier this year. >"This is not about whether children can access social media. It is about when social media can access our children." — Ursula von der Leyen, July 13, 2026 (The Verge)