EU Plans Social Media Ban for Under-13s, Introduces Daily Limits for Teens

The European Union has announced plans to restrict children’s access to social media, aiming to improve their wellbeing and strengthen online safety.

Under the proposed EU Kids Act, children under 13 would be banned from accessing social media platforms, while those aged 13 to 15 would be allowed only one hour of daily access through “mini accounts” linked to a parent or guardian’s account. Children aged 15 and above would be able to create their own independent accounts.

The proposed restrictions would cover platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube, as well as online gaming services and AI chatbots used by minors.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the initiative would give parents greater control over their children’s digital lives. She highlighted concerns over cyberbullying, harmful online content and children’s exposure to digital environments they may not be ready to navigate.

Under the proposal, social media companies would be required to demonstrate that their platforms are safe by design or face fines of up to 6% of their global annual sales.

What It Means for India

The proposal also raises questions about online safety for teenagers in India, where young people increasingly use social media for entertainment, education and communication.

Concerns over cyberbullying, excessive screen time, online exploitation and exposure to inappropriate content have prompted discussions about stronger protections for minors. India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, includes provisions for verifiable parental consent when processing children’s personal data, subject to applicable rules and exemptions.

However, India has not announced an equivalent nationwide one-hour daily social media limit for teenagers.

The EU proposal must still pass through the bloc’s legislative process before becoming binding.