Across Europe, governments are asking a difficult question: how should they limit teenagers’ use of social media? The debate is growing because almost all young people in the EU use the internet every day. The European Commission says social media is now the main news source for many young people, but it also warns that some platforms use features that keep children online for hours and may push harmful content into their feeds. In July 2026, a special EU panel recommended a common EU age limit for social media, with protection based on age and risk. (digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu)
The EU is not only discussing the problem. It has prepared a new age-verification app, and it wants all EU citizens to have access to strong, privacy-preserving age checks by 31 December 2026. The goal is to let people prove their age without sharing too much personal information. In other words, Europe is moving away from weak systems that only ask users to type in a birthday. (digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu)
France is already moving fast. A French law says social networks operating in France must refuse accounts for children under 15 unless a parent gives permission. Platforms must also provide tools to control time spent online, send regular notices about that time, and let a parent ask for the child’s account to be suspended. Spain is pushing for stricter rules too. In June 2025, Spain and 10 other European governments asked the European Commission for mandatory age verification for social media. Then, on 3 February 2026, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Spain would ban access to social networks for children under 16. (legifrance.gouv.fr)
The UK, outside the EU, has taken another path. Since 25 July 2025, sites and apps that allow pornography and some other harmful content have had to use highly effective age checks. The UK government also says that, from spring 2027, under-16s will no longer be able to use certain social media services. The message across Europe is clear: simple “enter your date of birth” boxes are no longer enough. The next challenge will be finding rules that protect children while still respecting privacy and keeping useful online spaces for learning and communication. (ofcom.org.uk)










