New push in Europe to curb children's social media use

From dangerous diet tips and disinformation to cyberbullying and hate speech, the glut of online content harmful to children grows every day.

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LUXEMBOURG - From dangerous diet tips and disinformation to cyberbullying and hate speech, the glut of online content harmful to children grows every day. Several European countries have had enough and agree that the European Union should do more to prevent minors' access to social media.

The EU already has some of the world's most stringent digital rules to rein in Big Tech, with multiple probes ongoing into how platforms protect children – or fail to do so.

Backed by France and Spain, Greece spearheaded a proposal for how the EU should limit children's use of online platforms, as a rising body of evidence shows the negative effects of social media on children's mental and physical health.

They discussed the plan on June 6 with their EU counterparts in Luxembourg to push the idea of setting an age of digital adulthood across the 27-nation bloc, meaning children would not be able to access social media without parental consent.

France, Greece and Denmark believe there should be a ban on social media for under-15s, while Spain has suggested a ban for under-16s.

Australia has banned social media for under-16s, taking effect later in 2025, while New Zealand and Norway are considering a similar prohibition.