Source
European Commission
Topic
Digital determinants
Tools & Frameworks
EU policy framework
Use it to…
align national action on children's digital wellbeing with the emerging EU regulatory framework for online safety.
Where to look in this resource
The accompanying Communication ('An EU approach to online child safety') giveS the most accessible overview; the proposal itself sets out the age rules and safety-by-design obligations, and the Staff Working Document analyses expected impacts.
Description
Adopted by the European Commission on 17 September 2026, the proposal sets a harmonised EU framework for children's online safety built on four pillars: delayed access to social media, safety by design, age assurance and parental responsibility, and strong enforcement. It would prohibit social media accounts under 13, allow parent-supervised accounts at 13–14 and independent accounts from 15, and require services such as social media, video platforms, online games, AI chatbots and app stores to avoid design features that drive excessive use. It is still a proposal and must be negotiated by the European Parliament and the Council.
Brief description
Proposed EU regulation setting common age rules and safety-by-design obligations for digital services used by children.
Keywords
online safety, social media age limits, safety by design, age verification, parental tools, EU regulation, digital determinants
Resource Title
Proposal for EU KIDS Act - 'EU Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy' - Shaping Europe’s digital future (European Commission, 2026)
