After Australia prohibited social media use for those under 16 in December, European countries are currently evaluating their own limitations as Brussels considers a «European solution».

Although various nations globally are intensifying regulations on social media use among the youngest demographics, usage rates remain elevated among young adults.

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According to the most recent Eurostat data, in 19 out of 27 EU member states, over 90% of individuals aged 16 to 29 reported using social media platforms in 2025.

The highest usage percentages appeared in Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, and Finland, whereas Italy, Germany, and Luxembourg exhibited the lowest rates.

Following Australia’s December ban on social media for under-16s, European governments are now considering similar restrictions.

For example, French lawmakers recently approved measures to restrict access for those under 15, with President Emmanuel Macron aiming to implement this by September.

Slovenia and Portugal have also proposed legislation that would forbid children under 15 and 16 respectively from using social media.

In Portugal, these restrictions will apply to platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, but exclude apps such as WhatsApp, which parents frequently use to communicate with their children.

Additionally, at least eight other member states are actively progressing towards social media bans for minors, while Germany’s ruling party has passed a motion to block access for users younger than 14.

Conversely, Estonia stands as the sole EU nation openly opposing such restrictions.

According to Kristina Kallas, Estonia’s education minister, this strategy “won’t truly address the issues” because “children quickly discover ways to bypass controls and continue using social media.”

A European solution

Although a comprehensive ban on social media for children throughout the EU is not imminent, the union is advancing initiatives to enhance online safety standards.

On 15 April, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the upcoming launch of a European age verification app for public use.

“Protecting children online is as essential as safeguarding them offline. For this, a unified European strategy is necessary,” she stated during the second Special Panel on child online safety the following day.

The app, compatible with both smartphones and computers, will require users to verify their age anonymously by uploading a passport or ID card before accessing online services.

This system employs “zero-knowledge proof,” enabling users to confirm their age without revealing personal information to platforms.

Presently, France, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, and Ireland are piloting the app’s development and intend to integrate it into their respective national eID wallets, such as France Identité in France.