This week, the European Commission is expected to introduce new legislation to better protect children and young people from the dangers of social media — the so-called Kids Act. It is anticipated that the plans will be announced on Thursday.
According to leaked plans, children up to 13 years old could open an account that is fully controlled by their parents on platforms that meet strict safety standards. Between 13 and 15 years old, children could open accounts on standard platforms, but only under parental supervision, with restrictions on screen time and contact with strangers. From age 15, they could create their own account in an online environment that met certain criteria.
Minister Van Achter responds cautiously positively to the gradual approach. “It is good that Europe is not choosing a complete ban until the age of 15, but rather protection tailored to age. This closely aligns with the path we have taken in Flanders: with 13 years as a clear boundary and stricter rules for social media that pose risks to minors,” she says. “Young people should not have to adapt to harmful social media; social media should adapt to young people and be safe.”
However, the minister still has important questions, for example regarding how the age verification and parental supervision will be organised in practice. “This must be feasible and privacy-friendly. We want to protect children, not subject every internet user to Big Brother,” Van Achter concludes.
The initial translation of this content was generated by AI. All facts, context, and language have subsequently been verified and validated by a human editorial team.
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