An expert panel advising the EU on child protection has recommended that children under 13 should only be allowed to use social media under the supervision of parents or at school. The report was presented in Brussels on Monday, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for legislative proposals after the summer.

The panel, comprising doctors, academics, youth representatives and parents, made several other recommendations. Von der Leyen called for “age-appropriate restrictions” to be implemented in a “phased and gradual” manner.

“Our children need time in the real world. Time to play, to build friendships, to make mistakes. Time to shape their own identity before an algorithm shapes them instead,” she told reporters.

While several EU member states, including Germany, are considering age limits, effective action would likely require EU-level legislation, as the bloc is responsible for enforcing rules on major online platforms.

Australia became the first country to introduce an age limit for social media at the end of 2025, though its effectiveness has been debated. Under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), social media giants are already required to implement child protection measures, but experts say enforcement needs to be strengthened.

Source: www.dw.com