Commission Receives Advice on Under-13 Social Media Ban

A child safety panel has advised the European Commission to implement a ban on social media access for individuals under 13 years of age. This recommendation comes amidst broader discussions on protecting young people in the digital environment. Digital technologies are an intrinsic part of children's daily lives, with parents often sharing information about their children online. Projects like GUARDIAN, titled "Growing online - how to protect our children in the digital world?", are exploring the impact of this phenomenon, often referred to as 'sharenting', and its implications for children's rights and online user behaviour.

The pervasive nature of social media raises significant concerns for youth development. Adolescents, for instance, spend over 6.5 hours daily on smartphones, frequently using social media as a primary information source. Research from projects such as DISINFORMED TEENS, focusing on "Growing Up in the Digital Age of Disinformation", indicates that adolescents may be particularly susceptible to disinformation. While this project specifically addresses older youth, its emphasis on the developmental science literature underscores the broader vulnerabilities children face when engaging with digital platforms. These ongoing research efforts aim to understand how susceptibility to online harms evolves through adolescence and how resilience can be fostered. The current advice on an under-13 ban reflects a growing recognition of the need for protective measures for the youngest users of these platforms.

What this means: The Commission's consideration of this recommendation could lead to new legislative proposals aimed at safeguarding children online, potentially altering how social media platforms operate within the EU for younger demographics.