EU expert panel to deliver recommendations on social media ban for children by July 13

Brussels — The European Union has intensified pressure on social media platforms to dismantle their "addictive" features, following a similar warning issued to TikTok in February. At the heart of the debate is whether the bloc should ban children from all social media to protect minors from harmful content.

Expert Panel to Deliver Recommendations

To help answer this question, an expert panel comprising doctors, academics, youth representatives, and parents will deliver their recommendations on Monday (July 13, 2026). EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen tasked the panel with providing evidence-based advice on how the 27-nation bloc should address the issue.

Growing Pressure for a Bloc-Wide Ban

Greece, France, and Spain led a push last year for limiting minors' access to social media. Pressure has mounted on the EU executive to establish a bloc-wide ban similar to the one Australia implemented in December.

Von der Leyen favours limiting children's access to social media and has previously hinted at a ban. In May, she stated that a legal proposal is expected this summer.

Two European officials told AFP that Brussels is expected to unveil a proposal on an age limit, though no final decisions have been made. The EU declined to confirm whether 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."

Recent Regulatory Actions

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

Targeting Harmful Design

The expert panel met three times in 2026, with the final meeting in June. Panel members have remained tight-lipped about their recommendations. However, if a German panel is indicative, they are unlikely to advise a blanket ban.

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
• 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".

Divergent Approaches Across Member States

A key dilemma for the EU is how to avoid different age limits across its 27 member states:

• Spain wants to ban under-16s from accessing social networks
• France proposes prohibiting children aged 15 and under
• Estonia opposes a ban

Digital Rights Concerns

Digital rights defenders caution against broad-brush measures and call 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.

Published - July 13, 2026 12:39 pm IST