EU Expert Panel to Recommend on Social Media Ban for Children: What's at Stake?

The European Union is considering whether to ban children from all social media platforms, as part of its efforts to protect minors from harmful content. An expert panel, comprising doctors, academics, youth representatives and parents, will deliver its recommendations on Monday (July 13, 2026) to help the EU make a decision.

Greece, France and Spain have led calls for limiting minors' access to social media, increasing pressure on the EU executive to establish a bloc-wide ban similar to the one Australia implemented in December. In response, EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen tasked the panel with providing evidence-based advice on how the 27-nation bloc should address the issue.

Ms. von der Leyen has expressed support for limiting children's access to social media and has previously hinted at a ban. In May, she indicated that a legal proposal is expected this summer. Two European officials told AFP that Brussels is likely to unveil a proposal on an age limit, but emphasised that no final decisions have been made yet.

The EU declined to confirm whether Ms. von der Leyen would announce a blanket ban. 'We are exploring possibilities to make minors safer online,' a spokesperson said. 'More can and must be done.'

Alongside the recommendations, the EU has intensified pressure on social media platforms to change. On Friday (July 10, 2026), it told Facebook and Instagram to dismantle their 'addictive' features, following a similar warning to TikTok in February.

The expert panel met three times in 2026, with its final meeting in June. Panel members have remained tight-lipped about their recommendations. However, if a German panel's approach is indicative, a blanket ban is unlikely. The German experts, who included the co-chair of the EU panel, proposed two options last month: a statutory minimum age of 13 — which many platforms already have — or restrictions on individual services and features.

The EU could limit access to social media based on a platform's risks, targeting apps with 'harmful designs.' A key challenge for the EU is avoiding different age limits across its 27 member countries. For instance, Spain wants to ban under-16s from social networks, while France proposes prohibiting children aged 15 and under. Estonia, however, opposes any ban.

Digital rights defenders caution against broad-brush measures and advocate for a 'safety-by-design' approach, where the EU demands the removal of certain features. 'If features such as infinite scroll or surveillance advertising aren't safe, they shouldn't be on social media in the first place,' said Michiel van Hulten, EU director at public policy organisation Reset Tech.

EU consumer protection chief Michael McGrath vowed that new rules expected later this year will give children stronger protection against addictive design. 'Digital markets are designed to capture attention and influence behaviour. The new rules will help ensure consumers can make informed choices free from manipulation,' Mr. McGrath said in a statement to AFP.