Age limits are being introduced in Europe to protect children from the negative effects of social media

New decisions regarding age limits, digital security, and access restrictions are being implemented across Europe and globally to protect children from the negative effects of social media. With a proposal announced by the European Commission, comprehensive regulations regarding the use of social media by children in member states are planned.

With the "EU Children's Act" proposal announced by the European Commission on September 17, it is foreseen to block children under the age of 13 from accessing social media services, to allow the 13-15 age group to use platforms through accounts managed by parents or guardians with restricted features, and to allow personal accounts to be opened starting from the age of 15. The proposal also includes restricting features such as "infinite scrolling".

The German government approved a strategy document containing temporary national rules on October 14. While a bill regarding the use of social media by those under 15 has started to be debated in the parliament in Greece, work is underway on an age limit of 15 for access in Poland. In France, a new draft law has been notified to the European Commission. In many countries such as the UK, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Romania, Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Denmark, Norway, and Finland, age limits and digital security regulations regarding children's use of social media are also being prepared or implemented.