EU Sets Out Plans to Restrict Children’s Social Media Access

The European Union has set out plans to limit children’s access to social media across member states, proposing a stepped approach designed to improve wellbeing and strengthen online safety.

The proposals would introduce a gradual set of restrictions for under-16s. The plan includes a ban on access for children under 13, while setting tighter controls for those aged 13 to 15.

Age Limits And Access Rules

Under the EU-wide scheme, children aged 13 to 15 would be allowed to use social media platforms for up to one hour per day. The access would be routed through so-called “mini accounts”, created in connection with a parent or guardian’s social media account.

The European Commission said the model would be rolled out in a way that keeps younger users within defined boundaries, while allowing older teenagers a route to standard use. Only children aged 15 and over would be able to create and run their own social media accounts under the legislation.

Safety Standards For Platforms

The European Commission said social media companies would have to demonstrate that their services meet safety requirements “by design”. The requirement would oblige platforms to show that protective measures are built into their products and systems.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the move would place parents back at the centre of decisions about children’s online activity. She added that the legislation, known as the EU Kids Act, would provide parents with tools to help their children navigate a safer online environment.

Previous Calls For A Social Media Delay

Von der Leyen previously put forward the idea of a social media “delay” for children in Europe. In May, she said the debate about setting a minimum age for access to social media could no longer be ignored.

The policy was formally outlined on Thursday and had also been flagged earlier in the week. It was trailed in the EU chief’s annual address to the European Parliament on Wednesday.

Member States Already Acting Separately

The EU plans also follow announcements from some individual countries that have already outlined national approaches to restricting children’s social media access. France and Spain are among the countries that have published separate proposals.

As the EU works through the legislative process, the measures set out by the Commission would apply across member states, with the restrictions aligned to specific age bands and with platform safety requirements tied to the design of services.

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18 September 2026