About 60 percent of young children across Europe experience emotional or psychological problems online, von der Leyen said.
The EU is considering banning social media for under-13s, as children’s online safety is a top political priority around the world.
Over the years, the bloc has targeted social media giants for their addictive designs, recommended system feeds and child safety measures through its landmark Digital Services Act (DSA) with heavy penalties for violators.
Last year, it previously found Meta and TikTok broke its rules by failing to meet its standards for keeping children safe online.
In another announcement last week, the bloc previously found that Meta did not assess the risks from its addictive design for the physical and mental well-being of its users, including minors.
In April, it found that Instagram and Facebook did not take effective measures to prevent children under the age of 13 from using the platforms, despite Meta’s terms and conditions stating otherwise. Social media platforms generally require their users to be at least 13 years old, however, these restrictions can and are easily circumvented.
Increasing pressure to effectively address wider concerns about the harm social media is causing to children’s development has led the EU to consider a similar strategy as Australia, Canada and the UK – and several of its member states.
France, Sweden and Greece currently propose a minimum social media age of 15, while Denmark is considering a limit of 16. Others, including Portugal, Spain, Germany and Poland are also considering legislation on the subject.
The European Parliament, late last year, called for the EU’s minimum digital age to be agreed at 16, and proposed parental consent for those between 13 and 16 years old.
But the special panel’s report, in its latest recommendations, suggests restricting social media to those under 13 until platforms can demonstrate that their services are safe for children.
The bloc said it wants to address the issue at the highest level to avoid further fragmentation of the single market and to establish the level of access enjoyed by children across the region.
The cause is close to EU citizens, with a recent report finding that 92pc of Europeans believe that protecting children online should be a priority for its leaders.
“The status quo, a world where we continue to allow unrestricted access to technology for our children, will subject another generation to further mental damage, addiction and misery,” said Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Monday (13 July).
His statements come as around 60 per cent of young children across Europe are believed to have experienced emotional or psychological problems online.
“The more we learn, and the more we see the impact on our children, the stronger the argument is for social media to start,” said the president of the Commission, adding that the solution may not be foolproof and will take time.
The commission is working on an “easy-to-use, privacy-preserving, and open-source” age verification app to help with its goals.
Don’t miss out on the information you need to succeed. Sign up for Daily BriefSilicon Republic’s digest of must-know sci-tech news.
