EU Expert Panel Recommends Banning Social Media for Children Under 13

A panel of experts appointed by the European Commission has recommended a harmonized EU-wide ban on social media access for children under 13, with a gradual, supervised approach for older minors. The proposal, presented on July 13, 2026, by panel members Jörg Fegert and Mari Melcior alongside Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aims to protect children from online risks while avoiding a blanket prohibition.

Key Recommendations

• Under 13: No unsupervised access to social media or risky digital services. Limited, supervised use allowed only with parental or educational consent Source: elespanol.
• Ages 13-17: Gradual, autonomous access permitted only on platforms that can demonstrate safety and age-appropriateness Source: infobae.
• Full digital majority at 18 Source: emolcl.

The panel justified the 13-year threshold by citing the 10-13 age range as the most psychologically vulnerable, and noting difficulties enforcing bans on older teens, as seen in Australia Source: elespanol. Von der Leyen stated that the Commission will study the report and prepare a legislative proposal after the summer Source: infobae.

Divergence from National Approaches

While some EU member states (e.g., France, Spain) and Australia have set the minimum age at 16, the panel argues that harmonizing at 13 creates a single market framework and eases enforcement Source: elespanol. Von der Leyen emphasized that the responsibility should be on platforms to prove safety, not a blanket ban Source: infobae.