EU Tightens Social Media Rules: Minimum Age May Rise to 16

In recent months, discussions in Europe have intensified regarding the risks children face online, including cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and online violence.

In July 2025, the European Commission launched public consultations to prepare new legislation aimed at strengthening the protection of minors in the digital environment by 2026.

In November, the European Parliament voted in favor of an initiative to set the minimum age for social media use at 16 across the EU. The goal is to restrict uncontrolled access of children to online platforms.

Key proposals include:

• Stricter account settings for minors;
• Restricting contact with unknown adults;
• Banning the download and screenshots of content posted by children;
• Additional measures against the non-consensual distribution of intimate materials and online blackmail.

According to European child protection organizations, the number of online sexual crimes against minors continues to grow.

Experts emphasize that most cases remain out of sight of law enforcement. Children often do not realize what is happening or are afraid to report violations. Families often prefer to remain silent, allowing perpetrators to continue their criminal activities.

In several investigated cases in Europe, criminals filmed and photographed abuse, including against children of families they knew, and distributed the materials in closed online communities.

Human rights organizations stress that the problem lies not in the technologies themselves, but in the behavior of criminals who use digital tools to access children.

The responsibility for the safety of minors lies not only with schools and parents but also with online platforms, government bodies, and society as a whole.