Brussels: The European Union is preparing tougher action against major social media companies as concerns grow over the impact of online platforms on children and teenagers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU can no longer ignore the harmful effects some digital platforms may have on young users, especially through features designed to keep children online for long periods of time.
Speaking during an event in Copenhagen on Tuesday, von der Leyen said many social media companies use systems that encourage endless scrolling, automatic video play and constant notifications. According to her, these tools are created to capture attention and increase the amount of time children spend online. She warned that such practices could affect the mental health, sleep patterns and emotional wellbeing of young users across Europe.
The latest remarks come as the European Union increases pressure on technology companies under the Digital Services Act, one of the bloc’s strongest online safety laws. The law gives European regulators greater powers to investigate and punish digital platforms that fail to protect users, especially minors.
Among the companies under scrutiny is TikTok, which is already facing an EU investigation over concerns that its design and recommendation systems may encourage addictive behaviour among teenagers. European officials are examining whether the platform is doing enough to limit harmful content and reduce excessive screen time for children.
At the same time, regulators have also raised concerns about Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. EU authorities believe that large numbers of children below the minimum age requirement are still able to create and use accounts on the platforms. Officials say Meta’s existing age verification systems are not strong enough to prevent underage access.
Meta has rejected some of the claims and said it is continuing to improve child safety tools. The company has recently introduced new parental controls and restrictions aimed at teenage users, but European regulators believe stronger measures are still needed.
The European Commission is now encouraging all member states to support the rollout of a new EU wide age verification system. The proposed digital app would allow users to prove they are old enough to access online services without sharing sensitive personal information such as their exact birth date. Officials say the technology could become available across the bloc before the end of 2026.
Several European countries are already considering stricter national laws on children’s use of social media. France has backed proposals to restrict social media access for users under 15, while Spain is discussing possible rules for users under 16. Other countries including Norway, Portugal and Poland are also studying stronger age checks and parental consent systems.
The issue has become a major political discussion across Europe as health experts, teachers and parents express growing concern about cyberbullying, harmful online content and rising levels of anxiety among teenagers. Many governments believe digital companies should take greater responsibility for the effects their platforms have on younger audiences.
European leaders are also watching developments in other parts of the world. Countries such as Australia are exploring tougher restrictions on social media use by minors, while lawmakers in the United States are debating new online safety protections for children.
With investigations continuing and public pressure increasing, the European Union appears determined to force major technology companies to place child safety at the centre of their online platforms.