French President Emmanuel Macron will host a call with European Union leaders this week to discuss potential measures restricting minors’ access to social media platforms, according to three EU diplomatic sources familiar with the planning. The emergency discussion comes amid mounting pressure from child protection advocates and mental health experts across the continent.
The proposed measures under consideration could include age verification requirements or complete platform bans for users under 16, though officials stress no final decisions have been made. ‘This is about starting a coordinated European conversation,’ said one senior EU official who requested anonymity because the talks are private. ‘We’re seeing alarming data about screen time effects and no single country can solve this alone.’
Recent studies from the European Parliament’s research service show 78% of teens aged 11-15 use social media daily, with 45% reporting negative mental health impacts. France already implemented social media restrictions for under-15s in 2023, while Germany and the Netherlands have considered similar legislation.
Digital rights groups warn that outright bans may prove difficult to enforce. ‘Age gates are easily circumvented, and restrictions could push kids toward less regulated platforms,’ said Dr. Lena Müller, a Berlin-based researcher at the European Digital Rights Initiative. ‘We need smarter solutions than blunt instruments.’
The call’s outcomes could influence upcoming EU digital policy reforms, including the ongoing review of the Digital Services Act. Analysts suggest any coordinated action would likely take months to implement, requiring careful navigation of free speech concerns and technical feasibility.