EU plans age limits and parental controls for social media use

EU proposes age limits and enhanced parental controls for social media to protect minors, balance safety and digital access in new regulatory plans.

EU plans age limits and parental controls for social media use
Liberal News
Publish: 17.09.2026
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EU proposes age limits and parental controls for social media

The European Commission announced plans to restrict social media access for under-16s across member states, outlining bans for under-13s and limited accounts for 13-to-15-year-olds managed by parents or guardians, the commission said on Thursday. Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the legislation — called the EU Kids Act — would require platforms to be safe by design and give parents tools to oversee their children’s accounts.

Under the proposal, children under 13 would be barred from accessing social media. Those aged 13 to 15 could use platforms only through “mini accounts” set up via a parent or guardian and would be limited to one hour of daily use. Only individuals aged 15 and older would be permitted to create independent social media accounts, the commission said.

The proposal was formally outlined on Thursday and was previewed in von der Leyen’s annual address to the European Parliament on Wednesday. The commission emphasized that social media companies must demonstrate their services meet safety-by-design requirements.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The announcement specifies a gradual approach: a ban for under-13s, parental “mini accounts” and an age threshold of 15 for independent account creation. The commission framed the measure as enhancing child wellbeing and restoring parental control, while requiring platforms to prove safety-by-design compliance.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

  • The European Commission proposed the EU Kids Act to limit social media use by under-16s.
  • Under-13s would be banned; 13–15-year-olds allowed one-hour daily “mini accounts” managed by parents or guardians.
  • Only those aged 15 and over could open independent social media accounts; platforms must demonstrate safety by design.
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