EU proposal: Age limits and screen time restrictions for children online

Children between the ages of 3 and 13 should not have their own accounts on social media or even their own devices. However, they must be able to access "child-friendly" films through accounts opened by their parents or guardians. A maximum of one hour a day shall be allowed.

Children between the ages of 13 and 15 must be able to start "mini-accounts" on social media, under their parents' accounts. The opportunity for social contacts here must be limited - and here too it is urged to a maximum of one hour a day.

Children between the ages of 15 and 18, on the other hand, may set up their own accounts as they wish.

"Reversing the Burden"

At the same time, an overarching basic rule is that "all online services must be designed to be secure" - that is, the responsibility lies with the tech giants to ensure that what they offer is okay.

"Our children's law reverses the burden of proof: it is the platforms that must demonstrate that their design is safe. And we are putting parents back in the driver's seat and giving them the tools to help their children navigate a safe online world," Commission President Ursula von der Leyen writes in a press release.

Age verification

The proposal includes several requirements for anyone who offers online social services, video sharing, games or chatbots for people under 18. Among other things, there will be a ban on "addictive" services, the possibility of unlimited scrolling, reward systems and notifications during "sleep time".

In addition, the services must ensure that they have functioning systems for age verification.

Exactly how the commission intends to enforce the rules – for example regarding screen time – has not yet been presented.

The proposal is now forwarded as usual to the EU Parliament and to the EU's Council of Ministers to be processed by the member states' responsible ministers.