A European step to protect minors from the dangers of the digital world
In a move reflecting growing concern about the impact of the digital world on the mental and physical health of young people, the European Parliament has proposed stricter limits on social media use for those under 16. This recommendation is part of a non-binding report adopted by a large majority in Strasbourg, which aims to establish uniform standards for the protection of minors across the European Union.
The report calls for a unified minimum age of 16 for using social media, video-sharing platforms, and AI-powered messaging apps. However, it leaves the door open for teenagers aged 13 to 16 to use these platforms, provided they have explicit parental consent. The recommendations go beyond age limits, also demanding a ban on technologies and features specifically designed to increase user engagement and addiction, such as pull-to-refresh functionality and digital reward systems.
A broader context for strict digital legislation
This proposal did not emerge in a vacuum; rather, it is an extension of ongoing European efforts to regulate the digital space and make it safer. The European Union has been a pioneer in this area through important legislation such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which has already established strict rules regarding the processing of minors' data, and the Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes greater responsibilities on major platforms to combat harmful content. This new recommendation complements these efforts, focusing specifically on the psychological and behavioral effects caused by social media algorithms designed to keep users, especially young people, on the platforms for as long as possible.
Importance and expected effects
Although the report is not currently legally binding, it represents a strong political signal to the European Commission and major technology companies. If these recommendations are adopted and turned into law, they will have a significant impact at both the regional and international levels.
Regionally, this will harmonize rules across the 27 member states, eliminating current discrepancies in digital consent ages and creating a unified and safer digital marketplace for children. It will also compel companies like Meta (Facebook and Instagram), TikTok, and Snapchat to redesign their systems to implement more effective age verification mechanisms.
Internationally, EU legislation often sets global standards, a phenomenon known as the “Brussels effect.” This move could encourage other countries around the world to adopt similar measures to protect their children, sparking a broader global dialogue about the responsibility of technology companies towards younger users. A panel of experts is expected to submit its final recommendations to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has expressed support for the idea, by the end of this year.
