What Inspired EU Chief to Back Social Media Age Limits?

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen amplified calls for continent-wide social media age limits at a United Nations event. Her remarks reflected increasing attention to online child safety among European leaders and suggested that the EU may soon adopt unified restrictions on digital platform access for minors.

Von der Leyen made her announcement in New York, standing beside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. She addressed the international audience and highlighted growing consensus among member states that children need greater protection online.

The planned convening of an EU expert panel by the end of the year marks a new step for the Commission.

How Did the EU Chief Announce Her Support?

Von der Leyen gave her strongest endorsement yet for social media age restrictions during her speech at the UN General Assembly. She stated that many member states believe a 'digital majority age' should be set for online platforms.

The Commission will assemble experts soon to explore how and when a continent-wide policy should roll out. The personal dimension of her advocacy was evident as she mentioned her experience as a mother and grandmother.

Von der Leyen emphasized the growing scientific evidence on how social media algorithms can influence, attract, and potentially harm children, which she suggested must shape upcoming policy.

Did you know?
The European Union’s Digital Services Act requires large platforms to assess and mitigate systemic risks to minors’ well-being online.

What Role Did Australia’s Ban Play?

Australia’s new law, effective December 2025, prohibits children under 16 from using major social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube. Penalties are heavy for non-compliance.

Von der Leyen issued praise for Australia’s decisiveness, calling it an inspiring, world-leading approach and a potential model for Europe’s own path.

In her address, she highlighted that the EU would closely monitor Australia’s rollout for practical lessons, specifically regarding enforcement and technology adaptation. The cross-continental attention signals shared global priorities around children’s digital safety.

How Are EU Member States Responding?

Multiple EU countries are actively advocating for stricter online safety laws. France has led by enacting a law requiring parental consent for under-15 users since 2023.

Lawmakers there are considering a full ban for children under 15 as well as nighttime curfews for older minors, following parliamentary studies linking platforms to mental health impacts.

Denmark’s current presidency of the EU Council has placed child protection at the center of its legislative agenda.

Besides France, nations such as Greece, Spain, and Italy are also trialing new measures, reflecting a bloc-wide urgency to act despite the existing minimum 13-year age set by most platforms.

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What Is the Status of Age Verification Technology?

The European Commission is supporting a pilot age-verification app now being tested in five EU countries. The app lets users confirm their age is over 18 without sharing other personal data, aiming to balance safety and privacy.

Results from the trial could determine broader implementation timing across the union. Such technological tools are seen as necessary infrastructure for enforcing any future age limit regulations.

Policymakers acknowledge that reliable verification is crucial to prevent children from bypassing restrictions while ensuring data protection standards remain high.

Where Could EU Policy on Social Media Go Next?

With political and public momentum growing, the EU may soon launch mandatory social media age limits across all member states. The upcoming expert panel’s recommendations are expected to influence both national and industry policies, possibly resulting in Europe’s first digital majority age law.

Internationally, coordination with like-minded partners such as Australia and ongoing research into platform impacts will shape the bloc’s decisions.

The EU Commission appears determined to move beyond statements to coordinated legal action and direct protection for millions of minors online.

As digital platforms become more central in children’s lives, policymakers must weigh the benefits of access against threats to safety and well-being.

The EU's steps over the coming months are likely to set new standards for child protection in a fast-changing digital world.