Social media curbs on kids

The European Union has become the latest bloc to move towards placing limits on children's access to social media, and the restrictions are among the strictest in the world. An expert panel has recommended that the EU bar children under 13 from social media entirely, except under adult supervision, with phased access for adolescents up to 18. A legislative proposal is expected in September, and there is strong justification for imposing restrictions. European children spend four to six hours daily on social media, and nearly 60% have experienced emotional or psychosocial harm online.

It will be interesting to see what kind of compliance requirements and penalties the EU imposes, considering the high premium it places on privacy. Australia, for example, became the first country to ban under-16s from social media in December 2025 and threatens fines of up to $34.3 million on non-compliant platforms, with the amount doubling for repeat offenders. The UK's similar ban for under-16s is set to take effect in early 2027. France aims to ban under-15s from September, while Spain and Greece are pursuing restrictions for under-16s. At least half a dozen other EU member states also have their own plans in the works. But restrictions are often meaningless. About 85% of Australian children still use social media, because restrictions are ridiculously easy to bypass. Even the Australian prime minister has accepted that the enforcement needs to be strengthened.

Still, at least these countries are trying to do something. In Pakistan, an estimated 35 million children are now online, often without supervision. Pakistani children spend almost 43% of their screen time on YouTube, followed by 16% on WhatsApp, and nearly 9% on Instagram. Internet-based crimes against children are rising fast, but legislation has stalled over senators' valid concerns regarding enforceability. The best solution remains with parents. The government can only do so much. Parents must enforce their own restrictions if they really want to protect their children from the perils of social media.