The European Parliament suggests banning children under 16 from social media unless parents allow it. MEPs passed the age restriction resolution, raising pressure for European legislation amid growing alarm about the mental health risks to children of unfettered internet access.

The European Commission is studying Australia’s upcoming social-media ban for under-16s. Interest in restricting children’s social media and smartphone access is growing. An expert report for France’s President Macron suggests banning smartphones until age 13 and social media until age 18.

The EU’s Digital Services Act protects users from online harms like disinformation and cyberbullying. However, it has been stated that it needs to better protect children from addictive design and online exploitation, including influencer incentives.

Eurosceptic MEPs argue that the EU would overreach by banning children’s social media access and decisions should be made by member states, not Brussels