Romania Plans Minimum Social Media Age 16 Amid EU Debate

Several European countries are advancing measures to protect children from the harmful effects of social media and smartphone use. Romania's Senate is considering a draft law setting 16 as the minimum age for social media accounts, requiring parental consent and security filters for younger users, with strict penalties for non-compliance. Similarly, the Dutch government plans to issue non-binding guidelines discouraging social media use for children under 15 and recommending smartphones be introduced only in the final year of primary school, responding to growing concerns about children's health and well-being. At the EU level, ministers from Ireland and France have called on the European Commission to mandate age verification on social media platforms to prevent minors from accessing harmful content, with proposed fines for violations. These initiatives are part of broader European efforts to regulate children's online exposure, including discussions on limiting screen time and enhancing digital safety frameworks. The movement reflects widespread support from parents, experts, and lawmakers who emphasize the need for immediate action to create a safer and healthier digital environment for youth.