# EU bans social media for under-15s

> The European Union is cracking down on social media access for children, with strict age limits and safety requirements for tech companies.
- Title: EU bans social media for under-15s · BBC News | Shortify
- Summary: The European Union is cracking down on social media access for children, with strict age limits and safety requirements for tech companies. Children under 13…
- Keywords: european union, social media ban, children safety, ursula von der leyen, eu kids act, age restrictions, tech regulation, tiktok, instagram, facebook, youtube, online safety
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3j4jz8vpz1xo
- Published: 2026-09-17T08:25:26.262+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: european union, social media ban, children safety, ursula von der leyen, eu kids act, age restrictions, tech regulation, tiktok, instagram, facebook, youtube, online safety
## EU restricts kids from social media
The European Union announced plans to ban under-13s from social media entirely and limit 13-15 year olds to one hour daily through parent-controlled accounts.
## Tech companies must prove safety
Social media platforms must demonstrate they are safe by design or face fines up to 6% of their global sales under the EU Kids Act.
## Von der Leyen puts parents in control
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the legislation gives parents tools to help children navigate a safer online world and puts them back in the driving seat.

> put parents back in the driving seat
## No addictive features allowed
Platforms must eliminate toxic and addictive features like infinite scroll and autoplay videos that encourage compulsive use, especially among young users.
## Ban covers all platforms
The restrictions apply to TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, video sharing platforms, AI chatbots and online games, not just social media apps.
## France's court blocked similar ban
France's top court blocked a social media ban for under-15s last month, ruling it infringed freedom of expression, though ministers have now amended their plans.
## Privacy concerns about age checks
Critics worry teenagers will be forced to submit personal data during age verification, though the EU says its existing age verification app collects no personal information.
## Australia's ban proves difficult
Australia banned social media for under-16s last year but has struggled to enforce it, with no tech companies fined despite many underage users still accessing platforms.
## Legislation still needs approval
The EU Kids Act must be agreed by member states and approved by the European Parliament, with social media companies expected to oppose the restrictions.
## Key takeaway

Children under 13 will be completely banned from social media, while 13-15 year olds get one hour daily through parent-controlled accounts, and companies must prove platforms are safe by design or face fines up to 6% of global sales.