Several European countries are moving to restrict social media access for children, citing growing evidence of mental health risks associated with prolonged online activity. The announcement comes shortly after French lawmakers voted to ban social media for children under 15, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged to protect Spanish children “from the Wild West of the digital world.”
Experts warn that endless scrolling and exposure to harmful content can reshape young brains, causing anxiety and other health risks. Paul O. Richter, affiliated with Brussels-based think tank Bruegel, emphasized that minors are particularly vulnerable due to ongoing cognitive development, and research shows strong correlations between social media use and mental health issues.
Countries considering or implementing bans include:
- France – ban for minors under 15, now pending Senate approval.
- Spain – expected ban for minors under 16, to be added to a parliamentary bill.
- Denmark – plans to limit social media access while creating a stronger legal framework for digital life, though legislation is not yet in effect.
- Italy – bill under review to impose restrictions, including for child influencers under 15.
- Greece, Portugal, Austria, and the UK – exploring similar measures.
At the European Union level, parliamentarians in late 2025 recommended a 16-year minimum age for social media use, allowing minors aged 13–16 to access platforms with parental consent. One proposal under discussion is a digital EU ID to verify age without compromising personal data.
Critics argue that such bans may be symbolic rather than effective, as they do not address structural issues like autoplay, endless scrolling, and addictive design elements. Marc Damie, spokesperson for France’s digital rights group ctrl+alt+reclaim, said: “Bans will not solve the underlying problems. They are measures politicians can announce but do not fix the systemic risks of social media.”
The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) remains the primary tool to regulate platform algorithms and reduce risks for minors, but implementation has been limited. Richter noted that member states are frustrated by the inability to enforce EU rules effectively on foreign tech companies, particularly those based in the United States.
The debate has drawn public attention, with figures like Elon Musk criticizing Spain’s proposed regulations, calling them a threat to online freedom. Experts, however, stress the need for European alternatives to major non-EU platforms, to better align with EU regulations and values.
