Social Media Bans for Minors: Europe Update

Europe Grapples with Social Media Age restrictions Following Australian Precedent

Following Australia’s recent ban on social media for users under 16, a wave of debate is sweeping across Europe regarding similar restrictions aimed at protecting children online. Since December 10th, Australian children are prohibited from creating or maintaining accounts on major platforms including Facebook, X, Threads, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, Reddit, adn YouTube, with companies facing potential fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (approximately 28 million euros) for non-compliance. Now, several European nations are actively considering or implementing measures to limit minors’ access to these platforms.

Spain Considers Dual-Tiered System with Parental Consent

Spain is currently evaluating legislation that proposes a nuanced approach to social media access for minors. A bill under consideration would prevent those under 16 from accessing social networks,forums,communication platforms,or spaces utilizing generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) without explicit parental consent. In certain unspecified cases, the minimum age could be lowered to 14, aiming to mitigate risks associated with exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and data exploitation. Individuals aged 16 to 18 would be granted access with their own consent.

Denmark Prioritizes Digital Safety and Age Verification

Denmark is focusing on bolstering digital safety measures for children, including the development of an electronic identification system and an age verification application. The country has also allocated 160 million Danish crowns (21.4 million euros) to 14 online safety initiatives for children.

France Eyes a Digital Curfew and Potential TikTok Lawsuits

France is taking a firm stance, with Minister of Digital Affairs Anne Le Hénanff announcing plans for a bill restricting social networks for those under 15 by early 2026. This follows a parliamentary commission report in September recommending a complete ban for this age group and even suggesting a digital curfew for all minors. The impetus for this action stems from a lawsuit filed in 2024 by seven French families against TikTok, alleging the platform exposed their children to content promoting suicide.President Emmanuel Macron has signaled his willingness to act if the European Union fails to establish a unified approach, stating plainly on X in June, “Platforms can verify age: do it.” Currently, French law requires parental consent for those under 15 to open social media accounts, with parents also possessing the right to request account closure.

Italy Targets ‘Kidfluencers’ and strengthens Age Verification

Italy’s Parliament introduced a bill last May that could impose restrictions on social networks for users under 15.The proposed legislation, currently under Senate review, also aims to regulate “kidfluencers” – young social media personalities – on these platforms. The draft requires platforms to verify user ages through a digital identity wallet linked to the forthcoming European age verification system. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara has publicly advocated for adopting the Australian model. italy has already implemented age verification legislation for adult content sites. Furthermore, a class-action lawsuit mirroring the French case, filed by families against TikTok, Meta (Facebook and instagram), is scheduled for review in February, alleging that over 3.5 million minors between 7 and 14 are using social media despite being underage. The lawsuit seeks to compel technology companies to implement stricter age verification practices.

Greece and Germany Explore Restrictions, Citing Developmental Concerns

Greece, inspired by the Australian model, is also exploring a social media ban, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warning of an “uncontrolled experiment” on children’s minds during a UN General Assembly address in september. Greece has already banned mobile phones in classrooms, a measure he claims has yielded positive results. The goverment has also launched a website providing guidance for parents on activating parental controls on iOS and Android devices. The “kids Wallet of Greece,” a parental control tool, will serve as an age verifier.

Germany, while currently lacking restrictions for those under 16, has commissioned a committee to study the feasibility of a ban and assess the broader impact of social media on teenagers, with a final report expected in autumn 2026. the government is considering a ban applicable to all minors, without parental exceptions, potentially allowing continued site access without logging in. A petition advocating for a minimum age of 16 for social media has garnered over 34,000 signatures and is under government review.

The growing momentum behind these initiatives signals a meaningful shift in European attitudes towards protecting children in the digital age, raising complex questions about enforcement, parental rights, and the role of social media platforms themselves.