The European Parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a minimum age of 16 for social media access across the EU, citing rising concerns about children’s mental health and online safety.
The measure, adopted on Wednesday, recommends that users under 16 should only be allowed on platforms with parental or guardian consent. It also proposes setting a minimum age of 13 for social media platforms, video-sharing services and emerging “AI companions.”
The move follows growing global scrutiny of online harms affecting children. Major companies, including TikTok, Snapchat, Google and Meta, are already facing multiple lawsuits in the United States alleging their products contributed to a youth mental health crisis.
Reactions in Paris reflected the debate across Europe. Some welcomed tighter safeguards, arguing that social media exposes young users to harmful content. Others said digital platforms can also support learning and creativity if used responsibly.
One film studies student, Lucien Frison, said the proposal has “both a positive and a negative side,” noting that social media can spread harmful ideas but also helps young people “learn on their own” when properly guided.
Parents also voiced mixed opinions. Christian Lema, a sustainable development director and father of three, called an outright ban “too extreme,” stressing the importance of parental responsibility and time limits rather than blanket restrictions.
Financial executive Christophe Cherry said social media played a positive role in his children’s education, adding that any regulation should focus on preventing hate speech and harmful content instead of cutting off access entirely.
Beyond age limits, the resolution calls for new rules to restrict “loot boxes,” age-inappropriate recommendation algorithms and content that is not designed for younger users.
French President Emmanuel Macron has previously suggested banning social media for children under 15, but individual EU states will ultimately set their own national age rules.
The Parliament’s vote does not create binding legislation, but it increases pressure on the European Commission and member states to adopt stricter digital protections for minors.
Britain and France have pledged stronger military support for Ukraine, including access to classified technology for Storm Shadow missile productio...
Oil prices fell after the U.S. expanded economic sanctions on Iran, as Tehran vowed to retaliate and warned it had tools to respond, raising concer...
Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee has disclosed details of a criminal case involving former President R...
Iran on Saturday denounced U.S. plans to announce new sanctions that could put further strain on the Islamic Republic's economy and have an impact on its most important trading partners including China.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv wants peace but will not surrender to Russia, as foreign leaders joined Independence Day events marking 35 years since Ukraine’s independence.
A newly created pro-government political party has secured a commanding victory in Kazakhstan's snap parliamentary election, according to exit polls, strengthening President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's influence at a pivotal moment in the country's political transition.
Only four commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, following 13 transits a day earlier, as disruptions continue to restrict traffic through the key energy chokepoint.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected calls for a wartime election, arguing that holding a vote while Russia's full-scale invasion continues would divide the country and undermine national unity.
Britain and France have pledged stronger military support for Ukraine, including access to classified technology for Storm Shadow missile production and faster deliveries of air defence missiles.
France and Saudi Arabia have agreed on plans for a $7 billion manga-themed amusement complex near Paris, inspired by the hugely popular Japanese franchise Dragon Ball Z.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 25th of August, covering the latest developments.
The United States has formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending a designation that had been in place for nearly five decades and marking a major step in Washington's efforts to rebuild relations with the country's new leadership.
The Trump administration has announced plans to revoke the temporary visitor visas of foreign nationals who entered the United States on tourist or business visas and later sought asylum, marking the latest expansion of Washington's immigration enforcement policies.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment