EU Considers Social Media Age Limits, Following Australia’s Lead

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The European Union may impose age restrictions on social media use inspired by Australia’s recent age verification policy. 

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in her annual address to the European Parliament that children could be barred from signing up for social media accounts in a move aimed at bolstering children’s online safety across the bloc. 

Von der Leyen emphasized that any regulations will be implemented “carefully” and “guided by the need to empower parents and build a safer Europe for our children.” She expressed concerns over risks such as online bullying, exposure to adult content, content promoting self‐harm, and manipulative algorithms that “prey on children’s vulnerabilities with the explicit purpose of creating addictions.” She said:

Just as … [society] taught our children that they could not smoke, drink and watch adult content until a certain age, I believe it is time we consider doing the same for social media … I am watching the implementation of [Australia’s] policy closely to see what next steps we can take here in Europe. I will commission a panel of experts to advise me by the end of this year on the best approach for Europe.

From December 10, 2025, Australia will require social media platforms to take “reasonable steps” to verify age and restrict under-16s from creating profiles or face fines. France has proposed 15-plus age limits, while lawmakers in Denmark, the Netherlands, and the UK are also reviewing similar measures.