The European Union is intensifying efforts to regulate children’s access to social media platforms. A proposal spearheaded by Greece, with support from France and Spain, aims to establish a uniform EU-wide minimum age for accessing social media, effectively raising the digital adulthood threshold. Under this plan, children would require parental consent to use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. This initiative is set to be discussed by EU digital ministers in early June.
The proposal aligns with global trends, such as Australia’s move to set a minimum age of 16 for certain social media accounts later this year. Supporters argue that these measures are necessary to protect minors from online harms, including cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content. However, the plan faces criticism from digital rights groups and some tech companies, who warn it could infringe on children’s rights and hinder access to beneficial online resources.
In response to these concerns, the European Commission is preparing to issue specific guidelines under the Digital Services Act (DSA) focusing on the protection of minors. These guidelines aim to ensure that online platforms implement effective measures to safeguard young users. The Commission’s actions reflect a growing commitment to balancing digital innovation with the protection of vulnerable populations.
As the EU moves forward with these initiatives, the debate continues over finding the right balance between protecting children online and preserving their access to the digital world. The outcome of these discussions will likely set a precedent for digital regulations globally.
