EU Kids Act: Social Media Ban for Under-15s Explained

The European Union is advancing a landmark EU Kids Act that will impose a tiered social media ban for children under 15, including parent-managed 'mini-accounts' and strict daily screen time limits. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the plan during her State of the European Union address on 16 September 2026 in Strasbourg, telling lawmakers that social media apps are 'depriving children of their childhood' and that big tech must prove its products are safe.

What is the EU Kids Act?

The EU Kids Act is the European Commission's proposed legislation to protect minors from addictive digital design. Rather than a total ban, it introduces age-based access levels. Children under 13 would be blocked from opening their own social media accounts entirely. Teenagers aged 13 to 15 could only use 'mini-accounts' created and supervised by parents, with a one-hour daily limit and restricted features. Those 15 and older could use independent accounts, but platforms would need to be safe by design for users aged 15 to 18.

The law covers social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, as well as video-sharing sites, online games and AI chatbots. Educational tools are expected to be excluded. The proposal follows similar measures in Australia and pressure from member states such as Spain and the Netherlands. The EU Digital Services Act enforcement framework is likely to serve as a model for the new rules.

Age-Based Restrictions: How the Tiered System Works

The European Commission's plan sets different protections for each age group:

• Under 13: no own account; cannot use social media independently.
• 13 to 15: parent-created 'mini-account' with a one-hour daily limit and limited functionality to reduce endless scrolling.
• 15 to 18: independent accounts allowed, but platforms must meet safety-by-design requirements.

Von der Leyen said children are 'increasingly being flooded with content designed to keep them constantly scrolling', and the law aims to block infinite scrolling, artificial notifications and engagement-driven recommendation 'rabbit holes' for younger users. The full details will be published on Thursday 17 September 2026.

Enforcement and Age Verification Challenges

A key question is how the EU will enforce the rules. Australia already has a social media ban for under-16s, but children often bypass it by lying about their age or moving to platforms without mandatory age checks. Experts are divided on whether the age-verification technology developed by the European Commission will work, and privacy concerns remain. Some MEPs argue the plan is too soft on big tech because it only requires changes for children, not for everyone over 15. Von der Leyen pushed back: 'We do not have to accept addictive elements. Europe has the power. We set the rules, not Big Tech.'

Impact on Big Tech and Parents

The EU Kids Act would shift the burden of proof onto platforms, requiring them to verify ages and redesign features for minors. This echoes calls from child safety advocates who compare the approach to the 2026 EU Digital Fairness Act, which separately targets addictive design for all users. For parents, the mini-account system offers more control but also raises practical questions about how to manage a one-hour limit across TikTok, Instagram and games. Children's online safety regulations remain a fast-moving policy area in Brussels.

FAQ: EU Social Media Ban for Children

What age can children use social media under the EU Kids Act?

Children under 13 cannot open their own accounts. Teens aged 13–15 can only use parent-supervised mini-accounts. Independent accounts are allowed from age 15.

How long is the screen time limit for 13–15 year olds?

The proposed daily limit is one hour for mini-accounts, though the final text may adjust this.

Which platforms are covered?

The rules apply to social media such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, plus video-sharing platforms, online games and AI chatbots. Educational tools are likely excluded.

When will the EU Kids Act take effect?

The Commission presents the proposal on 17 September 2026. It must then be approved by the European Parliament and all 27 member states, a process that could take months or years.