EU MOVES TO RESTRICT SOCIAL MEDIA ACCESS FOR CHILDREN UNDER 13

The European Union is considering measures that could prevent children below the age of 13 from accessing social media platforms as part of wider efforts to strengthen online safety for minors. The proposal is aimed at addressing concerns over children's exposure to harmful content and other risks associated with prolonged use of social media.

The initiative was discussed as European lawmakers and policymakers push for stronger safeguards for young users online. Under the proposed approach, children under 13 would be restricted from creating or maintaining accounts on social media services, while additional protections could apply to teenagers as they grow older.

Supporters of the proposal argue that children are increasingly exposed to content and online interactions that may not be appropriate for their age. They have called for technology companies to take greater responsibility for protecting minors and ensuring that age restrictions are effectively enforced across their platforms.

The move comes amid broader debates within the EU over the impact of social media on children and teenagers. European authorities have been examining issues including online privacy, harmful content, addictive design features and the use of personal data, with policymakers seeking stronger safeguards for younger users.

The proposal would still need to go through the relevant European legislative and policy processes before becoming binding across the bloc. Discussions are expected to continue over how any age restriction would be enforced while protecting children's privacy and allowing appropriate access to digital services.