EU eyes age gates and phased access for teen social media use

The European Union is weighing sweeping rules on children’s and teenagers’ access to social media, including possible age limits or bans and a requirement that platforms prove their services are not harmful for younger users. Ursula von der Leyen says proposals could come within months after a panel’s phased recommendations (no screens under 3, supervised use under 13, limits for older teens) and global momentum toward tighter online safety rules. The plan would still require approval from the European Parliament and member states, and regulators have already flagged Digital Services Act issues with Meta and TikTok.