Central News

(Central News Agency, Brussels, 13th - compiled international news) Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced today that the European Union plans to implement measures restricting young children's use of social media within its member states. Based on expert recommendations, children under the age of 13 would only be allowed limited access to social media under adult supervision.

According to a Reuters report, von der Leyen released a recommendation report drafted by two experts, proposing a tiered management system for children's social media usage. Under this proposal, children under 13 would only be permitted to use social media within limited time frames and under the supervision of parents, caregivers, or teachers. As adolescents grow older, these restrictions would gradually be relaxed.

Von der Leyen told reporters in Brussels: 'Clearly, we need age-appropriate restrictions on platforms. The issue is no longer whether children are exposed to online risks, but what measures we can take to give children a safer starting point online.'

Additionally, von der Leyen indicated she may adopt the experts' recommendations, with the European Commission expected to present concrete proposals after the summer break. She is expected to announce the related plans during her annual State of the Union address in September.

Countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, China, India, and the United States have already implemented social media bans or are considering similar measures, primarily targeting platforms such as TikTok, YouTube under Alphabet, and Instagram and Facebook under Meta. (Compiled by: Chen Zhengjian) 1150713