What's happened
The European Parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for an EU-wide ban on social media access for children under 16, with stricter limits for those under 13. The move aims to address concerns over mental health and addictive design features, amid ongoing debates and Australia's upcoming social media ban for under-16s.
What's behind the headline?
The EU's push for a comprehensive ban reflects a recognition of the growing mental health crisis among youth linked to social media use. The resolution emphasizes restricting addictive features like infinite scrolling and autoplay videos, which are often embedded in platform business models. While the resolution is non-binding, it signals a shift towards more protective regulation. The proposal also targets engagement algorithms and virtual loot boxes, aiming to reduce online exploitation and behavioral issues. However, critics argue that such measures encroach on national sovereignty and parental rights, with some EU members emphasizing that decisions about children's access should remain at the national level. The influence of US and Chinese tech giants is evident, with some US officials urging the EU to relax digital laws in exchange for trade benefits. Overall, this move indicates a broader international trend to regulate digital platforms more strictly, especially concerning minors, but the effectiveness will depend on implementation and enforcement across member states.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that the European Parliament's resolution, backed by 483 votes, calls for banning social media for children under 16 and outright bans for those under 13, with parental consent from age 13. It highlights concerns over addictive design features and online exploitation. Arab News notes that the resolution is non-binding but aligns with Australia's upcoming social media ban and plans in Denmark and Malaysia, emphasizing the global momentum. Politico discusses the push for holding tech CEOs personally liable for violations, reflecting a desire for stricter accountability. Reuters emphasizes the international context, with French President Macron advocating for EU regulation and the US urging the EU to relax digital laws for trade reasons, illustrating geopolitical tensions surrounding digital regulation and trade.
How we got here
Growing concerns over social media's impact on children's mental health have prompted calls for stricter regulation worldwide. Australia is set to implement the first social media ban for under-16s next month, while France, Denmark, and Malaysia are also considering restrictions. The EU's efforts follow a series of studies and expert reports highlighting risks associated with unregulated online platforms for minors.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Are the EU's New Rules on Kids and Social Media?
The European Parliament has recently approved new proposals to restrict social media access for children under 16, with parental consent starting at age 13. This move aims to protect young users from online harms and mental health issues. But what exactly do these rules entail, and how might they affect children, parents, and social media platforms? Below, we explore the key questions about these upcoming regulations and what they mean for families across Europe.
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What Are the Implications of the EU’s Proposed Social Media Ban for Children Under 16?
The European Parliament has recently approved a resolution calling for a ban on social media access for children under 16, with even stricter rules for those under 13. This move raises important questions about online safety, mental health, and how such regulations could shape the future of digital use for minors. If you're wondering why these measures are being considered, how they might impact young users, or how they compare to other countries' plans, you're in the right place. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this significant development.
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Why Are Countries Considering Bans on Social Media for Minors?
With growing concerns over the impact of social media on children's mental health and safety, countries like the EU, Australia, and others are debating or implementing restrictions for minors. These measures aim to protect young users from addictive features, online exploitation, and harmful content. But what are the arguments for and against these bans, and how might they shape future regulations worldwide? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this global debate.
More on these topics
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The European Parliament is one of three legislative branches of the European Union and one of its seven institutions. Together with the Council of the European Union, it adopts European legislation, normally on a proposal from the European Commission.
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TikTok/Douyin is a Chinese video-sharing social networking service owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-based Internet technology company founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming.
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Facebook, Inc. is an American social media conglomerate corporation based in Menlo Park, California. It was founded by Mark Zuckerberg, along with his fellow roommates and students at Harvard College, who were Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Mosk
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.