Lithuanian proposals suggest a 16+ age limit for social media, mirroring EU trends and emphasizing platform responsibility.
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Lithuania is considering legislation to restrict social media use for minors, following examples from countries like Australia and other EU nations that are developing similar regulations. The proposal suggests setting a minimum age limit of 16 years and requiring platforms to implement effective age verification systems rather than relying on self-declarations. Initiators argue that children’s safety is incompatible with current social media environments due to risks to health, mental well-being, and life itself. These proposed changes would impose fines on platforms failing to meet age verification obligations. While the EU’s Digital Services Act addresses minor protection, its implementation remains fragmented across member states. Experts emphasize that while legal regulation is necessary, it must be paired with digital literacy education. The head of the Digital Ethics Center stresses that responsibility for online safety should shift from parents alone to the platforms themselves, which currently avoid accountability. Furthermore, she advises parents on conscious technology use, such as prioritizing sleep and implementing screen time limits.
