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Ursula von der Leyen proposes social media restrictions for children in Europe

May 12, 2026, 1:00 PM20
(Update: May 13, 2026, 6:57 AM)
President of the European Commission since 2019
commune in Seine-Maritime, France
political and economic union of 27 European states

Ursula von der Leyen proposes social media restrictions for children in Europe

  • Ursula von der Leyen announced proposals for social media access restrictions for minors in Europe, expressing the need for legislative action soon.
  • Countries including France, Spain, and Germany are considering or implementing specific age restrictions for social media usage.
  • The EU aims to change social media dynamics for children to protect their well-being and ensure companies are held accountable.
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In recent months, the European Union has been actively discussing legislation aimed at restricting social media access for minors. Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has suggested a 'social media delay' for children, with plans for new laws to be proposed in the coming months. These discussions are taking place against a backdrop of increasing concerns about the impact of social media on youth, with several European nations already considering or implementing bans on social media usage for specific age groups. France, for instance, is pushing for a ban on social media access for children under 15, with an implementation date set for September 2026. Similarly, Spain is exploring a ban for those under 16, seeking to address issues like addiction and exposure to harmful content. Germany is contemplating age restrictions, proposing a ban for children under 14, while Norway aims to implement a strict social media ban for minors by the end of 2026. In all of these cases, age verification technology will be central to the measures adopted. The Commission has been working to enforce stricter child safety rules in the digital space, utilizing the Digital Services Act to conduct investigations into social media platforms. Von der Leyen has emphasized that simply imposing age restrictions will not exempt tech companies from accountability for their practices. This reflects a broader EU strategy to combat what it views as the harmful effects of social media on children’s mental health and safety. Additionally, a research project in Bradford, UK, has involved children actively participating in trials to limit their social media usage. More than 200 pupils are currently engaged in a study that seeks to understand the implications of reduced screen time on their lives. Students have expressed mixed feelings about the initiative while acknowledging that social media is integral to their social interactions. This research may also inform future policies regarding minors and their engagement with social media, further influencing the EU's legislative considerations.

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