"The European Parliament wants an EU-wide minimum age of 16 for social media to protect minors from addictive features and mental health risks. Here’s what the move could mean for teens, parents, and tech platforms."
Europe has taken a bold step in shaping the future of online safety for young people. The European Parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a minimum age of 16 years to access social media platforms across the European Union. Although the proposal still needs further action to become law, the resolution has already sparked global debate about digital safety, child psychology, and platform responsibility.
Why Does Europe Want a Minimum Age of 16 for Social Media?
The resolution argues that popular platforms are using designs that can lead to compulsive use in children. Lawmakers say the goal isn’t to block technology, but to ensure children aren’t exposed to features that are proven to affect sleep, attention levels, and mental health.
With 483 votes in favor, 92 against, and 86 abstentions, the motion recommends:
- Full social media ban for children under 13
- Access for ages 13–15 only with parental consent
- Strict age-verification using EU digital identity wallets or age-verification apps
What Addictive Features Are Being Targeted?
Lawmakers have identified a list of product features that encourage young users to stay online longer than intended. These are expected to be restricted for minors under the Digital Services Act.
| Addictive Feature | How It Affects Kids |
|---|---|
| Infinite scrolling | Makes it hard to stop browsing |
| Autoplay videos | Triggers continuous consumption without breaks |
| Reward loops / pull-to-refresh | Creates compulsive checking behavior |
Other restrictions include loot boxes in gaming, disappearing stories, engagement-based recommendation systems for minors, and targeted advertising toward children.
Research cited in the resolution shows that 1 in 4 European minors displays problematic smartphone use similar to addiction patterns.
Is This an Isolated Move or a Global Trend?
Europe isn’t alone in questioning youth access to social media. Around the world, governments are taking similar steps to protect young users from addictive digital environments.
- Australia: Social media ban for under-16 starts December 10, 2025, with fines up to A$50 million for non-compliance.
- Denmark: Ban for under-15 announced in November 2025 with controlled parental overrides for age 13+.
- Global leaders: Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron publicly support raising the minimum age for social media use.
How Will the Resolution Affect Parents and Platforms?
For parents
Parental consent could become mandatory for teens aged 13–15. Age verification will be handled digitally at the EU level to reduce the burden on families.
For social media companies
Platforms must ensure services are safe by design for children. Algorithms, product layouts, and reward systems may require redesigns for minors, not just additional parental controls.
Will Teens Still Be Able to Use Social Media?
The goal isn’t to remove children from the internet entirely. Instead, lawmakers aim to prevent designs that take advantage of developing brains. If the resolution becomes law, teens will still be allowed online — but in safer digital spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the resolution become an EU law automatically?
No. The European Commission must still turn it into a legislative proposal before it can become binding.
Does this affect platforms outside Europe?
Yes. Any social platform operating within the EU must comply if they want to remain active in the region.
Can VPNs help teens bypass the rules?
Lawmakers expect age-verification to rely on digital identity wallets, meaning VPNs may not bypass verification mechanisms.
