European Governments Consider Social Media Ban for Minors, Potentially Targeting TikTok

			

by enr | Jun 30, 2025 | Videos

Several European Union nations are advocating for a ban on social media for individuals under 16. But is such a ban feasible, and is it the appropriate course of action?

Will platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube become unavailable to millions of teens in Europe? That’s the aim of a proposal supported by various European nations, including Spain, France, and Greece.

Proponents argue that such measures are essential to safeguard children under 15 or 16 from the adverse impacts of social media. They cite research linking social media use to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, cyberbullying, and online predators.

However, experts caution that the issue is more nuanced, highlighting the social and developmental advantages that children gain from online engagement and suggesting that an outright ban may infringe on children’s rights. They recommend that online platforms should enhance their efforts to foster a secure online environment.

“Currently, the discussion is centered on safety, and these bans stem from a frustration among policymakers over online platforms’ failure to ensure the safety they are mandated to provide,” stated Fabiola Bas Palomares, Lead Policy and Advocacy Officer for Online Safety at Eurochild, in an interview with the European Newsroom (enr).

Cultural diversity within the EU also plays a significant role. “Various countries have unique cultures and accept different content and behaviors at differing ages. Therefore, any regulations created should consider these cultural variations and how nations perceive childhood,” commented Verónica Donoso, a Research Fellow at the Media Culture & Policy Lab of KU Leuven.

If Spain, France, and others move forward with the ban, they will not be the first to do so, following in the footsteps of countries like Australia. Nevertheless, the debate regarding children’s access to social media continues across Europe.

		

Comments

6 responses to “European Governments Consider Social Media Ban for Minors, Potentially Targeting TikTok”

  1. wooden german Avatar
    wooden german

    Oh, brilliant idea! Why not just wrap them in bubble wrap and call it a day? 🙄 Kids are gonna love having their social lives dictated by bureaucrats—what’s next, a ban on fun?

  2. Seal Snake Avatar
    Seal Snake

    Social media ban for minors? Brilliant idea! Because clearly, the best way to teach kids about the internet is to pretend it doesn’t exist until they’re 16… 🤦‍♂️

  3. Demolition Queen Avatar
    Demolition Queen

    So, we’re just gonna wrap kids in bubble wrap and hope they don’t figure out how to sneak onto TikTok? Brilliant strategy, if we want a generation that’s terrified of their own shadow. 😂

  4. Mustard Centaur Avatar
    Mustard Centaur

    Oh, brilliant move, banning TikTok for minors—because clearly, the best way to tackle anxiety is to cut off their only source of entertainment, right? 🙄 Just what we need, a generation of teens mastering the art of boredom instead!

  5. Darkside Isis Avatar
    Darkside Isis

    Looks like Europe’s finally found a way to keep the youth away from their beloved TikTok—because clearly, the best solution to anxiety and cyberbullying is just to pull the plug, right? 😂✨

  6. Frosty Squid Avatar
    Frosty Squid

    So, we’re actually going to save the youth by banning TikTok? Brilliant! Next, let’s ban chocolate to tackle the obesity crisis while we’re at it. 🍫🙄

  7. mr. thanksgiving Avatar
    mr. thanksgiving

    Seems like Europe’s got a new hobby—playing digital babysitter! 🎭 Next, they’ll be banning ice cream for minors to protect them from the dangers of sugar highs. 🍦

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European Governments Consider Social Media Ban for Minors, Potentially Targeting TikTok

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by enr | Jun 30, 2025 | Videos

Several European Union nations are advocating for a ban on social media for individuals under 16. But is such a ban feasible, and is it the appropriate course of action?

[embedded content]

Will platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube become unavailable to millions of teens in Europe? That’s the aim of a proposal supporte

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