European parliament calls for social media ban on under-16s

"MEPs passed a resolution on age restrictions on Wednesday by a large majority. Although not legally binding, it raises pressure for European legislation amid growing alarm about the mental health risks to children of unfettered internet access. The European Commission, which is responsible for initiating EU law, is already studying Australia's world-first social-media ban for under-16s, which is due to take effect next month."

"In a speech in September, the commission's president, Ursula von der Leyen, said she would watch the implementation of Australia's policy. She spoke out against algorithms that prey on children's vulnerabilities with the explicit purpose of creating addictions and said parents felt powerless against the tsunami of big tech flooding their homes. Von der Leyen promised a panel of experts would be set up by the end of the year to advise on the best approach to protecting children."

"Interest is growing in restricting children's social media and smartphone access. An expert report commissioned last year by France's president, Emmanuel Macron, said children should not be allowed to use smartphones until the age of 13 and social media, such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat, until they were 18. Christel Schaldemose, the Danish Social Democrat MEP who drafted the resolution, told reporters that politicians needed to act to protect children: It is not just parents."

European lawmakers recommended banning social media for children under 16 unless parents give permission. The non-binding resolution increases pressure for EU legislation amid concerns about children's mental health and unfettered internet access. The European Commission is reviewing Australia's forthcoming under-16s ban and plans an expert panel to advise on child protection. Proposals include higher minimum ages for smartphones and social media in some reports. The resolution calls for default disabling of addictive platform features for minors, such as infinite scrolling, autoplaying videos, excessive push notifications and reward mechanisms, and urges societal action alongside parental responsibility.

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