European Union Plans Age Limit for Children's Social Media Use

The European Union is preparing a new legislative regulation aimed at protecting children on digital platforms. Within the framework of the planned rules, a complete ban is foreseen for those under 13, and a parent-approved usage model for the 13-15 age group.

Details of the New Regulation

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the new plan for the protection of children in her speech at the European Parliament. Accordingly, it is planned to ban children under the age of 13 from accessing social media platforms.

Within the scope of the prepared model, it is foreseen that children between the ages of 13 and 15 can only use the platforms with accounts under the supervision of their parents or guardians.

Restrictions and Age Groups

Within the framework of the planned regulation, it is aimed to limit certain features and introduce restrictions regarding usage time for accounts targeting the 13-15 age group.

It is planned to allow young people to use their own individual accounts without any restrictions starting from the age of 15.

Responsibilities of the Platforms

Under the EU Kids Act, social media companies are expected to verify users' ages and take more technical measures to ensure children's safety.

This envisaged new regulation aims to cover not only social media networks, but also various services such as online games and artificial intelligence chatbots.

Negotiation and Approval Process

This move by the EU came to the agenda following the increasing restrictions on children's social media use in member states. The European Parliament had previously proposed a common digital minimum age.

The regulation in question has not entered into force yet. This text proposed by the Commission needs to be negotiated in detail by the European Parliament and EU member states in the upcoming period.