EU Plans Social Media Ban for Under-13s and Phased Access for Teens, Von der Leyen Confirms

The Straits Times—European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed plans for EU-wide legislation restricting children's social media access, with under-13s facing an outright ban and teenagers receiving phased access. YouTube and TikTok said they were engaging with governments on implementation. Canada held a parallel debate over whether 16 is the appropriate minimum age threshold. The proposal builds on existing Digital Services Act frameworks following sustained pressure from child safety advocates.

• The Straits Times — Children's social media curbs planned across EU, von der Leyen says
• The Globe and Mail — Canada debate: is 16 the right minimum age for social media access?
• Guardian — Ursula von der Leyen pledges EU-wide social media ban for children
• The Jakarta Post — YouTube, TikTok engaging with governments on child social media block
• The Local Spain — EU to limit children's access to social media
• The Local Sweden — EU to limit children's access to social media
• The Local Italy — EU to limit children's access to social media
• The Local France — EU to limit children's access to social media
• The Local Germany — EU to limit children's access to social media
• Rappler — EU to propose limit on kids’ social media access, von der Leyen says
• South China Morning Post — EU eyes social media curbs for children
• 9to5Mac — Under-13s face ban; teenagers get 'phased access' under EU plan
• Reuters — Children's social media curbs planned across EU, von der Leyen says.