Europe proposes phased social media access for children

Kiswahili

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for age-based restrictions on social media use by children following a new expert report.

The announcement came on July 13 after the release of a report showing that European children spend four to six hours daily on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The study, authored by child psychologist Dr. Jörg M. Fegert and epidemiologist Dr. Maria Melchior, linked the usage to sleep problems, concentration issues, and higher rates of depression and anxiety.

Von der Leyen described the approach as phased and gradual access rather than an outright ban. Children under 13 would require parental consent, while teens aged 13 to 18 would face limits on features such as infinite scrolling. Toddlers under three would have no screen access.

A draft law is expected after the summer, building on the existing Digital Services Act. The EU is also developing an age verification app to support enforcement across member states.

Makala yanayohusiana

Illustration of a young teenager facing social media restrictions under the proposed UK ban for under-16s.
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