Goodbye Instagram or Facebook? Brussels is considering banning social networks for children as early as 2026

Brussels, January 28 - The European Union is facing a decision that would have sounded unimaginable just a few years ago - a complete ban on social media for children. The impetus came from France, where parliament moved a step closer to banning the use of social media for children under 15.

Brussels is also closely watching Australia, where a ban for those under 16 has already come into force - although it faces legal challenges. This is intended to be a test of whether a similar model can work in Europe.

France initially advocated a joint EU approach together with Denmark, Greece and Spain. In the end, however, it decided to act alone. The lower house of parliament has already approved the law, but the Senate is still waiting for approval.

According to Von der Leyen, an age limit may come

At EU level, strict rules for the digital space already apply today. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are being investigated, especially for their impact on children. However, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggests that this may not be enough.

It supports the idea of ​​a minimum age, but wants to hear from experts first. The Commission is therefore setting up an advisory panel, which is due to be set up “early this year”, although it was originally promised to be in place by the end of 2025.

“We are keeping all options open. We will get feedback and then take any future decisions,” said Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier.

The European Parliament has already called for a ban on social media for children under 16. Similar steps are also being planned by countries outside the EU - Malaysia, Norway and New Zealand.

Age verification is key

Some countries do not want to wait. Denmark announced a ban on social media for children under 15 last year. Along with France, it is among five EU countries testing an age verification app.

The app is designed to prevent children from accessing harmful content and the Commission plans to launch it by the end of the year. According to Regnier, it could be a tool to enforce compliance with the rules - whether at national or European level.

DSA as a weapon against “rabbit holes”

Even without a complete ban, the EU has strong leverage. The Digital Services Act (DSA) allows regulators to force platforms to change their operations in favor of protecting children. It prohibits, for example, targeted advertising to minors.

“The EU can use DSA to influence the way children use social networks,” explains analyst Paul Oliver Richter of the Bruegel think tank.

The Commission launched an investigation into TikTok, Facebook and Instagram in 2024 due to concerns about the so-called “rabbit hole effect” - when algorithms offer increasingly extreme content. The cases are dragging on, but Brussels promises results.

“The work is continuing intensively… we will close these cases,” Regnier assured.

The question is therefore not whether the EU will stand up to children on social networks - but how hard and how quickly. 2026 could be a turning point in this regard.

WT.24