July 14, 2026, 7:36 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Children should only be allowed to use social networks gradually in the future. A new expert report for the EU Commission recommends stricter regulations for platforms–and could pave the way for new EU rules. However, a general social media ban is not expected.
No General Ban, but Significantly Stricter Regulations
According to experts from the EU Commission, children under 13 should not have unrestricted access to social networks. This is according to a report prepared by specialists on behalf of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Contrary to frequent demands, they deliberately do not advocate for a blanket social media ban.
Instead, the experts recommend a gradual introduction to the digital world. Until the age of 13, the use of social networks and other potentially harmful online services should only occur under parental supervision or in a school setting and be time-limited. The goal is to introduce children to digital media without exposing them to risks unprotected. For children up to two years old, the authors even advise against such digital offerings entirely. At the same time, EU member states should retain the ability to set stricter age limits. France, for example, is currently planning a limit of 15 years.
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Platforms Must Prove Their Safety
From the age of 13, teenagers should generally be allowed to use social networks independently. However, the experts believe that platforms must activate comprehensive protection mechanisms by default and significantly reduce risks for minors.
The scientists call for a fundamental shift in perspective. Responsibility should not rest solely with children and parents, but with the platform operators. They must demonstrate that their services do not pose significant dangers to young users. Criticized are features such as endless scrolling or algorithmically driven recommendation mechanisms, which can promote problematic usage habits. The age limit of 13 years already exists in the terms of service of many platforms. However, according to the experts, there is a lack of consistent enforcement.
New EU Rules Could Follow Soon
The recommendations are likely to have a significant impact on further legislation in Brussels. Ursula von der Leyen has already announced plans to present a proposal for new EU rules after the summer break. She emphasized that age-appropriate restrictions for online platforms are necessary and that there must be a gradual access for different age groups.
For technical implementation, the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet) could play a central role in the future. It is set to be introduced in Germany in early 2027 and will enable privacy-friendly age verification. Users could thereby prove they have reached a certain minimum age without providing names or birth dates to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat. While individual member states could set their own age limits, mandatory age checks for large online platforms can only be introduced at the EU level. This is likely to further fuel the debate on youth protection in social networks in the coming months.