European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced steps to restrict children’s social media use after a study revealed kids spend up to six hours daily on platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram. Authored by child psychologist Dr. Jörg M. Fegert and epidemiologist Dr. Maria Melchior, the report shows that 60 % of children experience socio‑emotional and mental health issues, including sleep and concentration problems. Recommendations call for no access for under‑13s unless supervised, limited access for 13‑18‑year‑olds with safety features, and no screen time for toddlers under three. Australia already banned under‑16s, while France, Germany and Spain are considering similar moves. The EU, home to 450 million people, would face a complex 27‑nation negotiation if a ban passes. The report may be a tipping point, as von der Leyen said the evidence strengthens the case for a social media start date. The Commission will review the findings and propose legislation after the summer.

The study’s findings echo concerns across the globe, with Florida’s 2024 ban on under‑14s without parental approval and Australia’s 99 million AUD penalty for violations highlighting the growing push for stricter controls.