The European Commission is moving closer to introducing new measures on Child Safety Online after President Ursula von der Leyen received recommendations from a Special Panel examining the impact of social media on children. The report, released Monday, calls for stronger safeguards, greater platform accountability, and age-appropriate restrictions as the EU prepares to review the findings and present legislative proposals after the summer.
Speaking alongside the panel’s co-chairs, von der Leyen said protecting children online has become one of the most pressing challenges facing governments. She stressed that parents, not algorithms, should shape children’s development and warned that the current digital environment is exposing young users to growing risks.
Child Safety Online Becomes a Priority for the EU
Von der Leyen said the Special Panel examined both the opportunities and harms created by social media algorithms and their effects on children. According to the findings highlighted in her statement, young people across Europe now spend between four and six hours each day on screens, while nearly 60% of young children have experienced emotional or psychosocial problems online.
She said these challenges include loss of sleep, anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and unwanted online interactions, all occurring while children’s brains are still developing.
“We believe that parents bring up our kids, and not predatory algorithms,” von der Leyen said, adding that social media platforms should no longer have unrestricted access to children.
Digital Services Act Places Responsibility on Platforms
A key recommendation focuses on holding technology companies accountable for the safety of their services. Von der Leyen said platforms that build online systems should also be responsible for ensuring they do not harm users, particularly children.
She pointed to the Digital Services Act (DSA) as the EU’s framework for requiring providers to remove harmful features, including addictive algorithms, dark patterns, harmful content, and unwanted contacts.
According to the Commission President, the EU has already taken action under the Digital Services Act against TikTok over its addictive design and recently against Meta. She said platforms have a duty of care toward users and must respond quickly when children report harmful experiences.
EU Considers Social Media Age Restrictions
The report also strengthens the case for introducing social media age restrictions, with von der Leyen arguing that the debate is no longer about whether children use social media but when platforms should be allowed to reach them.
She said the European Union’s age verification app is designed to help parents by providing an easy-to-use, privacy-preserving, and open-source tool to verify age before accessing online platforms.
Von der Leyen also suggested that Europe should consider establishing a “social media start date,” comparing it to existing age limits for driving and purchasing alcohol.
Panel Calls for Age-Appropriate Digital Access
According to the statement, children under the age of three should have no exposure to screens or digital platforms. Older children should only access social media under parental, caregiver, or teacher supervision and within limited time periods.
Von der Leyen said childhood is a critical stage of brain development and argued that children need opportunities to play, build real-world friendships, and develop their identities before algorithms begin shaping their online experiences.
She added that policymakers should first identify platforms with age-inappropriate and addictive features, describing the category as “social media plus,” before considering phased access for different age groups.
EU to Review Recommendations Before New Proposal
The European Commission said the report comes after consultations with parents, educators, experts, young people, EU member states, and international partners, including Australia.
Von der Leyen confirmed that the Commission will now review the recommendations before presenting a formal proposal after the summer.
While no legislative measures have yet been announced, the report signals the EU’s intent to strengthen Child Safety Online protections by expanding platform accountability, improving age verification, and evaluating new rules governing children’s access to social media.
