EU Proposes Minimum Age for Unsupervised Social Media Use

The European Union is set to implement a minimum age requirement for unsupervised social media access, following a report highlighting the risks of social media to children. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that minors under 13 should only access social media with parental supervision. The report indicates that children spend four to six hours daily on screens, with nearly 60% experiencing emotional issues online. The EU aims to introduce age-appropriate restrictions and evaluate other online services for potential harm to minors. This initiative aligns with existing platform policies that restrict access for users under 13 due to data privacy regulations. The EU's proposed regulations are part of broader efforts to ensure children's safety online while allowing gradual exposure to technology. The legislation is expected to be reviewed and proposed after the summer of 2026.

Key Points: • EU plans to enforce a minimum age of 13 for unsupervised social media use. • Nearly 60% of young children have reported emotional or psychosocial problems online. • The initiative aims to enhance child safety and hold platforms accountable for harmful content.