Europe wants to protect children from social media.

Many children use social media every day. They watch short videos and write messages to their friends. But many parents are worried about their children. Some children spend many hours in front of the screen and sleep less.

In September 2026 the European Commission proposed new rules. Children under 13 will not have social media. From the age of 13 children will be able to have small accounts. Until the age of 15 parents will monitor these accounts. Companies must check the age of users. The EU is preparing a special app for this.

Australia already has a similar ban. There children under 16 have not been allowed to have accounts since 2025.

The new rules are not law yet. The European Parliament and the countries have to approve them. This can take several years.