MEPs Push for Teen Social Media Ban

Responding to concerns over the safety of minors online, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have overwhelmingly supported a non-legislative report recommending that children under the age of 16 be prohibited from accessing social media without parental consent. The proposal seeks to implement stringent EU-wide age verification systems to safeguard young users from digital harm.

The report, adopted during a plenary session on November 26, 2025, with 483 votes in favor, highlights alarming statistics on the detrimental effects of social media on young people’s mental and physical health. It calls for robust measures to combat addictive online practices and manipulative content that could lead to problematic smartphone use among 25% of minors surveyed.

Key recommendations from MEPs include enforcing the Digital Services Act (DSA) more strictly with potential fines for non-compliance and holding senior managers accountable. The proposed measures also advocate for the ban of engagement-driven algorithms and in-game monetary incentives, known as loot boxes, which contribute to a gambling-like environment among young users. Moreover, MEPs urge rapid action to address the challenges posed by generative AI tools, such as deepfake technologies and AI-powered nudity applications, ensuring these platforms do not exploit minors.

The European Commission is encouraged to develop an EU age verification app linked to the European digital identity (eID) wallet to support these initiatives, enhancing the security and privacy of young internet users across member states. This comprehensive approach underscores a significant shift towards prioritizing the digital well-being of Europe’s youth, aligning with public concerns reflected in recent Eurobarometer surveys.