The head of the European Commission announced the ban of social networks for children under 13 years

The President of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen revealed the details of the bill on the protection of the rights of children, which will be published on September 17. The document proposes to establish a complete ban on social networks for children under 13 years. For teenagers from 13 to 15 years old, parents will be able to open an account with a limited set of functions and a limit on activity time.

According to the European Commission, minors should start using the Internet gradually. According to her, access to all resources and games from childhood leads to the development of insomnia, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. “Our children need time to grow up. To grow with others. To face all the emotions and choices that accompany real life. They even need time to get bored, von der Leyen said at a speech in Strasbourg.

The preliminary text of the initiative was reviewed by Reuters and Politico. The ban, according to the document, will apply not only to social networks, but also to video hosting, online games, as well as chatbots based on artificial intelligence. Educational tools will not be covered by the law. The document also provides for special monitoring functions for parents and guardians.

Ursula von der Leyen said the drafters relied on examples from Australia and other countries that have made progress on the issue. Australia has banned the use of social networks by children under 16. A similar measure comes into force in the UK in the spring of 2027.

As in different countries trying to protect children from the dangers of Internet communication, read in the material “Kids in nets”.