EU to ban social media for under 13s, curb access until 15

The European Union will ban social media for children under 13 and allow only limited, supervised access until the age of 15 under plans unveiled Wednesday (September 16, 2026) by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen.

A global backlash against social media has piled pressure on policymakers, with a rising body of evidence showing negative impacts on children's physical and mental health.

Australia last year became the first country to ban social media for under-16s, triggering a wave of similar moves elsewhere.

The 27-country bloc would take a "gradual" approach, Ms. von der Leyen confirmed during her annual keynote address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

"Each age has its own sensitivities. And therefore, each will have its own tailored protection level," she said.