site.btaEU Considers Harmonized Age Restrictions for Access to Social Media

The European Union is considering harmonizing restrictions on access to social media until children reach a certain age, European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday. She noted that experts consulted by the EC recommend that social media should remain inaccessible to kids under the age of 13.

According to von der Leyen, the proposal under consideration would allow younger children limited access under the supervision of parents or teachers and for restricted periods of time. She said the proposal can be presented after the end of the summer holidays.

She pointed to a general understanding that a minimum age should be established for children's access to social media. The EC President cited findings from various studies showing that kids spend between four and six hours a day in front of screens, while nearly 60% have experienced emotional problems online, sleep deprivation, depression or exposure to harmful content.

It will take time to change the culture, von der Leyen said, drawing a comparison with the years it took to introduce the near-total ban on drink-driving and the mandatory use of seat belts in motor vehicles.

The EC also presented a Eurobarometer survey on Monday showing that EU citizens are deeply concerned about the risks social media poses to children. Cyberbullying and bullying were cited as the biggest concern by 71% of respondents, followed by fears of online grooming for sexual exploitation (70%), exposure to harmful content such as violence, self-harm or extremism (69%), and the misuse of children's personal data (69%). A further 60% believe that the addictive design of online platforms poses a danger.

According to the survey, 63% of respondents want the EU to introduce common rules restricting children's access to social media. The findings also show that 66% of European adults use social media every day to obtain information or follow political developments. Overall, 44% called for stronger action against false or misleading information online and tougher penalties for illegal content.