Europe debates youth online safety, proposing age limits and digital education amid rising risks.
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The European Parliament voted to pass a resolution calling for better protection of minors online, urging the EU to set a minimum age of 16 for accessing social media, video platforms, and AI assistants unless explicit parental consent is given, aiming to protect children from addiction, harmful content, and algorithmic influence. This initiative builds on discussions about establishing an “age of digital maturity” across Europe.
Various countries are addressing online risks differently. Austria saw a shift in debate following a school shooting where the perpetrator was heavily involved in social media; this led some politicians to call for banning social media for under-15s, though experts debated whether bans or education were more effective. Spain proposed a digital wallet system requiring age verification via electronic ID to curb exposure to pornography among minors. France is actively regulating online platforms, notably forcing TikTok Lite to remove reward systems that encouraged excessive use, and has established laws protecting children from commercial exploitation and privacy violations.
In Bulgaria, public consultation is planned regarding banning social media for those under 15 due to its harmful effects, while experts stress the need for education over outright bans. Greece is focusing on parental responsibility through a national strategy called Kids Wallet, which combines parental control, age verification, and digital identity for minors, alongside promoting school programs.
Overall, despite calls for stricter age limits across Europe, many specialists caution that bans may simply shift usage to less safe channels, emphasizing that comprehensive digital education, parental involvement, and fostering critical thinking are crucial for empowering young people in the digital world rather than relying solely on prohibitions.
