The European Union is considering broad new restrictions on children's and teenagers' use of social media, including age limits, phased access, and potential bans for younger users.
The proposals come from an independent panel commissioned by the European Commission, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirming the bloc could introduce legislation after the summer following a review of the recommendations.
If adopted, the measures would expand global efforts to limit young people's access to social media platforms.
Speaking on July 13, von der Leyen said the focus is not on whether children should use social media, but when platforms should be allowed to reach them.
The panel proposed a staged approach to internet access, recommending no screen exposure for children under three, supervised internet use for those under 13, and additional safeguards for older teenagers.
One of the report's key recommendations would require social media companies to prove their platforms are safe for young users before children and teens are allowed to access them.
Von der Leyen said she supports that principle and confirmed the Commission will now evaluate the proposals before deciding whether to draft legislation.
Any new law would still require approval from both the European Parliament and all 27 EU member states before taking effect across the bloc.
The recommendations come as the EU increases scrutiny of major tech companies, including a recent preliminary finding that Meta may have breached the Digital Services Act over the allegedly addictive design of Facebook and Instagram.