EU proposes phased social media access for children
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for a gradual approach to social media use for minors, supported by new expert recommendations on digital safety.
By Europa Express13 Jul 2026 · 08:30 CETUpdated 13 Jul 2026 · 08:30 CET
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⚡ EXECUTIVE DISPATCH BRIEFDeveloping · Politics
Core Briefing: EU proposes phased social media access for children
Strategic Context: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for a gradual approach to social media use for minors, supported by new expert recommendations on digital safety.
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated that children should have phased and gradual access to social media platforms. According to The Local, these comments follow expert recommendations advising that children under the age of 13 should only use such online platforms under adult supervision.
The proposals aim to address concerns regarding the digital safety of minors. The guidance emphasises a structured approach to online engagement, suggesting that oversight is necessary for younger users as they navigate social media environments.