The limits of social media are coming for teens across Europe

The European Union is weight Comprehensive new restrictions on children and teens’ access to social media, including age limits, outright bans, and phased access. Social media platforms may also have to prove that their services are not harmful before allowing young people to use them.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc’s executive arm could propose new legislation within months, after reviewing the recommendations of a panel of experts released today. “It’s not about whether children have access to social media,” von der Leyen said. “It’s about when social media can reach our children.”

The committee recommended using a phased approach, including “no screens at all” for children under 3, supervised internet use for those under 13, and some restrictions for older teens. She also said social media platforms must prove their services are safe for younger users, an approach von der Leyen said she supports.

Von der Leyen said the commission would consider the report and come back with proposals “after the summer.” Any legislation would still need to be approved by the European Parliament and the EU’s 27 member states before it becomes law across the bloc. A formal proposal would add significant momentum to global efforts to limit children’s use of social media, joining a growing list of active proposals or regulations in countries including UK And Australia.

The new rules will also add significant pressure on platforms to prove that their services are safe for younger users. A Initial investigation In the European Union, Meta was already found in violation of its own digital services law last week over the “addictive” design of Facebook and Instagram. The result was also similar issued against TikTok earlier this year.