"European parliament calls for social media ban on under-16s", 26 November 2025

...MEPs passed a resolution on age restrictions on Wednesday by a large majority. Although not legally binding, it raises pressure for European legislation amid growing alarm about the mental health risks to children of unfettered internet access. The European Commission, which is responsible for initiating EU law, is already studying Australia’s world-first social-media ban for under-16s, which is due to take effect next month...

Von der Leyen promised a panel of experts would be set up by the end of the year to advise on the best approach to protecting children...

The resolution noted that “addictive design features are often inherent to the business model of platforms, notably social media”... The resolution said children should be 16 before they could access social media, although parents could give consent from the age of 13...

The EU already seeks to protect internet users from online harms, such as disinformation, cyberbullying and illegal content, via its Digital Services Act. But the resolution said this law had gaps and could do more to protect children from addictive design features and online exploitation, such as financial incentives to become influencers...

Schaldemose’s resolution was adopted by 483 MEPs and opposed by 92, with 86 abstentions...