The European Union is preparing new rules that would introduce EU children’s social media access through a phased, age-based approach rather than a blanket ban. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that lawmakers are working on legislation designed to strengthen online safety for children while ensuring that digital platforms provide age-appropriate protections.
Speaking after receiving recommendations from an independent panel of doctors, academics, youth representatives, and parents, von der Leyen said there is broad agreement that children should not gain unrestricted access to social media from an early age. Instead, she emphasized that age-appropriate restrictions should determine when and how young people engage with online platforms.
The expert panel proposed that babies and toddlers should not be exposed to screens at all. It also recommended supervised use of age-appropriate digital devices and social media for children between the ages of three and 12. Teenagers aged 13 to 18 would gradually receive greater independence while using platforms equipped with strong safety features.
Von der Leyen stressed that responsibility should rest with technology companies to demonstrate that their products do not harm children. She said platforms must ensure their services are safe before being made widely available to younger users, adding that Europe expects product developers to be accountable for user protection.
The European Commission plans to present a legal proposal during the second half of the year. The legislation is expected to create a common framework across all 27 EU member states, preventing different national age limits while providing consistent standards for child safety online.
The debate comes as several member states push for stricter controls. Countries including Greece and France have supported stronger restrictions on children’s social media use, while Spain has proposed banning access for users under 16. Other countries, including Estonia, have expressed reservations about adopting a complete ban.
Alongside the new legislation, the EU is increasing pressure on major technology companies to remove addictive design features that encourage excessive screen time among young users. The EU children’s social media access proposal is expected to combine age verification, stronger consumer protection, and safer platform design as part of Europe’s broader effort to protect children in the digital environment.
