EU to Propose New Rules Limiting Children's Access to Social Media

The European Commission is preparing to introduce new rules aimed at limiting children’s access to social media platforms, with a formal proposal expected after the summer break, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Monday.

Speaking to reporters in Brussels, von der Leyen said the initiative is designed to better protect children from the growing influence of social media algorithms during their formative years. She stressed that young people should have the opportunity to develop naturally through real-world experiences before being exposed to the pressures and personalized content often found on digital platforms.

According to von der Leyen, children need time to play, build friendships, make mistakes, and shape their own identity and personality without constant interaction with algorithm-driven social media feeds.

“This is not about whether children can access social media. It is about whether and when social media can access our children,” she said, emphasizing that the proposal focuses on safeguarding minors rather than imposing a blanket ban on social media use.

The planned legislation is expected to become part of the European Union’s broader digital safety agenda, which has increasingly targeted online platforms over concerns related to child protection, privacy, and the impact of algorithmic recommendations on young users.

Although von der Leyen did not provide specific details about the proposal, the upcoming measures are likely to fuel ongoing debate over age verification, parental controls, and the responsibilities of major technology companies in protecting children online.

The European Union has already taken a leading role in regulating large digital platforms through laws such as the Digital Services Act, which requires companies to better manage online risks and improve user safety. The new proposal would further strengthen the bloc’s efforts to create a safer online environment for minors while balancing children’s access to digital services with stronger protections against harmful content and algorithmic influence.

The Commission is expected to unveil the proposal after the summer recess, opening discussions among EU member states and lawmakers before any new rules are finalized.