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European Parliament wants to ban social media for children under 16

by AI | 27.Nov 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The European Parliament has recommended in Strasbourg, with a large majority, to ban access to social media for young people under 16 years old, unless they have the consent of their parents.

European Parliament wants to ban social media for young people under 16 years old. Photo: Elisa Schu/dpa

The Members of the European Parliament supported a report with 483 votes in favor, 92 against (86 abstentions) that advocates for the introduction of a minimum age of 16 for access to social media, video-sharing platforms, and AI assistants. This minimum age could be lowered to 13 if parents give their consent.

The report was written by Danish social democrat Christel Schaldemose. In her home country, the government is already working on a ban on social media for children under 16. The European Commission is also considering this. President Ursula von der Leyen expects recommendations from an expert panel by the end of this year.

The Members of the European Parliament are also calling for a range of other measures to protect children. They advocate for a ban on the most harmful addictive online features, such as reward loops, endless scrolling, or engagement-based algorithms. The parliament also wants to prohibit targeted advertising to minors and ban gambling elements in games for those under 16.

“We did not abolish cigarette vending machines to let children fall prey to the whims of the internet. The mental and physical well-being of the new generation is paramount,” believes Belgian MEP Bruno Tobback (Vooruit). CD&V also thinks “it is time for Europe to show the courage to stand up against systems that reward addiction and exploit vulnerability.” “If that means that the big tech companies finally face some headwind, so be it,” states Liesbet Sommen.

No Belgian MEP voted against the report. Vlaams Belang and N-VA abstained. “Rather than prohibiting our youth from accessing digital services – by imposing a European digital age limit of 16 – I believe we should fully focus on digital safety, fair digital practices, and empowering young people in their digital skills, without depriving them of opportunities,” explained Kris Van Dijck (N-VA).

His party colleague, Flemish Minister of Media Cieltje Van Achter, opposes a minimum age for social media for the same reason. Flemish Minister of Culture Caroline Gennez is in favor, and the French Community government also wants a minimum age for social media. There is not yet a Belgian position.

(Strasbourg, November 26, 2025)