# EU wants parental controls for kids under 13 on social media

> European Commission proposes age checks and supervision requirements for children accessing platforms, games and AI chatbots.
- Title: EU wants parental controls for kids under 13 on social media
- Summary: European Commission proposes age checks and supervision requirements for children accessing platforms, games and AI chatbots. The EU wants to require…
- Keywords: european commission, ursula von der leyen, social media, children, parental controls, age verification, big tech, digital services act, ai chatbots, online safety, france, australia
- Source: MadeForMums — https://madeformums.com/news/family-news/eu-proposes-social-media-restrictions-for-children-including-under-13s
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: european commission, ursula von der leyen, social media, children, parental controls, age verification, big tech, digital services act, ai chatbots, online safety, france, australia
## EU proposes child social media limits
The European Commission wants new restrictions on children's access to social media, online games and AI chatbots to strengthen protections for young people.
## Under-13s need parental supervision
Children under 13 couldn't access social media without parental supervision. Those aged 13 to 15 would face additional restrictions like time limits.
## Platforms must verify ages
Social media companies would be required to check users' ages using an official verification app according to draft proposals.
## Von der Leyen challenges Big Tech
The Commission president rejected the idea that tech companies are too powerful to regulate, saying Europe doesn't have to accept addictive features.

> We do not have to accept addictive features. We do not have to accept children being drawn into ever more extreme content.
## AI chatbots face special rules
AI companion services would need safeguards to prevent children forming unhealthy emotional attachments or exposure to harmful exchanges.

> It is not about our minors accessing social media. It is about when and how do we allow social media to access our minors.
## Companies face massive fines
Platforms that fail to comply could be fined up to 6% of their global annual turnover. The proposals still need to go through the EU legislative process.
## Other countries trying similar bans
Australia, New Zealand and France are all working on restrictions. France's Constitutional Council already struck down one under-15 ban over freedom concerns.
## Key takeaway

The EU wants to require parental supervision for under-13s on social media and parental controls for 13-15 year olds, with platforms facing fines up to 6% of revenue.