- European Parliament proposes minimum age of 16 for social media access without parental consent
- Calls for banning under-13s from social media and restricting harmful content and addictive features
- Aligns with global trends; Australia set to enforce strict social media age limits in 2025
European lawmakers are moving to introduce some of the world’s toughest online child protection rules, proposing a minimum age of 16 to use social media, video-sharing platforms and AI companions without parental consent.
The plan, advanced by the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, reflects deepening concern over the impact of digital technologies on children’s mental health and safety.
The committee’s report, adopted by a large majority, is set for a full parliamentary vote between November 24 and 27. It recommends that children under 13 be barred entirely from social media, even with parental permission.
The proposal also targets engagement-driven algorithms, addictive design features and gambling-style mechanisms such as loot boxes in games accessible to minors. Platforms would be prohibited from monetising or incentivising “kidfluencing,” where children act as paid influencers.
Christel Schaldemose, the Danish MEP leading the initiative, said the rules must evolve to meet new digital threats, stressing the need for stronger safeguards and a higher access threshold to protect minors online.
The proposal aligns with growing political support across Europe. Twenty-five EU member states, along with Norway and Iceland, have endorsed a declaration backing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s plan to study the idea of a “digital majority age.” Von der Leyen has already expressed support for restricting social media use for under-16s, with an expert panel expected to report by year’s end on possible EU-wide frameworks.
Individual governments are moving in parallel. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen recently proposed banning social media for under-15s, warning that mobile phones and online platforms were “stealing our children’s childhood.”
France has introduced similar measures, with President Emmanuel Macron advocating a digital age of majority at 15 and requiring platforms to block access for younger users without guardian approval.
The EU debate mirrors global momentum on the issue. Australia will enforce one of the strictest regimes from December 2025, banning social media for under-16s and threatening major fines for companies that fail to verify users’ ages—an approach cited as a model in EU discussions.
Under the proposed framework, enforcement would fall within the scope of the EU’s Digital Services Act, with penalties and potential platform bans for non-compliance. The vote in November will test how far the bloc is willing to go to reconcile digital participation with child protection—a decision likely to shape global standards on youth access to online platforms.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://insiderpaper.com/eu-lawmakers-propose-social-media-ban-for-under-16s/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1798635/minimum-age-of-16-for-social-media-proposed-in-eu – On October 16, 2025, the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee proposed a minimum age of 16 for accessing social media, video-sharing platforms, and AI companions without parental consent. The initiative, led by Danish MEP Christel Schaldemose, aims to protect minors from risks such as addiction, mental health issues, and exposure to harmful content. The proposal will be voted on by the full parliament during its plenary session between November 24 and 27, 2025.
- https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20251013IPR30892/new-eu-measures-needed-to-make-online-services-safer-for-minors – The European Parliament has called for new measures to enhance online safety for minors, including a proposed EU-wide digital minimum age of 16 for accessing social media, video-sharing platforms, and AI companions without parental consent. The initiative also suggests a minimum age of 13 for any social media use. MEPs urge the European Commission to enforce these measures under the Digital Services Act, with potential fines or bans for non-compliant platforms. The proposal will be voted on during the plenary session between November 24 and 27, 2025.
- https://www.euronews.com/next/2025/10/08/denmark-becomes-latest-european-country-to-push-social-media-ban-for-under-15s – Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has proposed a ban on social media for children under 15, stating that mobile phones and social media are ‘stealing our children’s childhood’. The proposal allows parents to grant permission for children aged 13 and above. This initiative aligns with broader European efforts to regulate children’s access to digital platforms, with countries like France and Spain also considering similar measures.
- https://www.euronews.com/next/2025/09/10/von-der-leyen-looking-into-eu-social-media-ban-for-minors – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is considering restrictions on children’s use of social media in the EU, inspired by Australia’s upcoming ban on under-16s using platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Von der Leyen plans to commission a panel of experts by the end of the year to advise on the best approach for Europe, aiming to empower parents and build a safer environment for children online.
- https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/04/27/macron-in-favour-of-europe-wide-social-media-age-restriction-for-teens-under-15 – French President Emmanuel Macron advocates for a ‘digital majority’ age of 15, proposing that children under this age should not access social media without parental consent. This initiative aims to protect minors from online risks such as cyberstalking and inappropriate content. France has already enacted a law requiring online platforms to refuse children under 15 unless expressly authorised by a parent or guardian.
- https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/11/28/australias-proposed-ban-on-social-media-for-under-16s-passes-into-law – Australia has passed a law imposing legal restrictions on social media use for individuals under 16, making it one of the strictest regulations globally. The legislation, effective from December 10, 2025, aims to protect minors from the harms of social media, including misinformation and cyberbullying. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok face fines up to AU$50 million if they fail to prevent under-16s from creating accounts.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is current, with the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee adopting the proposal on October 16, 2025. Similar initiatives have been reported in other countries, such as Denmark and France, indicating a broader trend. ([brusselstimes.com](https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1798635/minimum-age-of-16-for-social-media-proposed-in-eu?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
Direct quotes from Danish MEP Christel Schaldemose are consistent across multiple reputable sources, suggesting originality. ([brusselstimes.com](https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1798635/minimum-age-of-16-for-social-media-proposed-in-eu?utm_source=openai))
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Insider Paper, which is not widely recognised. However, the content aligns with reports from established outlets like The Brussels Times and Euronews, lending credibility. ([brusselstimes.com](https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1798635/minimum-age-of-16-for-social-media-proposed-in-eu?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The proposal for a minimum age of 16 for social media access aligns with ongoing EU discussions and similar initiatives in other countries. The narrative includes specific details about the committee’s vote and the proposed measures, enhancing its plausibility. ([brusselstimes.com](https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1798635/minimum-age-of-16-for-social-media-proposed-in-eu?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current and aligns with ongoing EU legislative efforts to protect minors online. Direct quotes from a reputable MEP are consistent across multiple sources, and the content is corroborated by established news outlets. The source’s lower recognition is mitigated by the consistency and corroboration of the information.
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