The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said she plans to bring proposals on an age-limit for social media use after receiving an expert report on protecting children online.
The Government has previously said it supports social media restrictions for children but would prefer for it to be implemented at EU level.
The Special Panel on Child Safety Online presented its work to the European Commission today, ahead of her plans to set out a European approach in September. This report recommends bringing in age-appropriate restrictions for digital platforms.
European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Alexandros Michailidis, Shutterstock
Ursula von der Leyen stated “Social media is not a toy.”
“What we already have is a consensus that there needs to be a start date for the age children can join social media. The status-quo, a world where we continue to allow 'Big Tech' unrestricted access to our children, will only confine another gen of more mental harm, addiction and misery.”
In December of 2025, Australia imposed a country-wide social media ban for anyone under the age of 16 years of age as Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said he believed big tech companies were not "doing enough to comply with the law".
Keir Starmer, Shutterstock
Similarly, in June, former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK will ban social media for children under the age of 16 at a Downing Street press conference. The measure is expected to come into force by early 2027.
"This is not something I do lightly, and I will not present it as cost-free, as if social media has brought no benefits to young people, because clearly that is wrong.”
Previously, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he supports social media restrictions for children but would prefer for it to be implemented at EU level.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin
On his way to the National Economic Dialogue in Dublin in June, Mr Martin stated:
"I believe some proposals will emanate from the Commission in respect of social media and protecting young people and potentially moving in the direction that the UK has.”
Regina Doherty, Fine Gael MEP, has also called for stronger European action against “harmful and addictive social media design,” following new expert recommendations:
“President von der Leyen is right to look at a phased approach based on age. Why should a child under 13 have access to social media at all? We need clear age limits and strict age verification that also protects people's privacy.”
Von der Leyen said the proposal is expected to resume after the summer.
