BRUSSELS, Belgium — European Union lawmakers are pushing for a mandatory “youth mode” on social media platforms to turn off addictive features and targeted advertising for children, a move aimed at protecting young users from harmful content and manipulative algorithms.
The proposed regulation, currently under consideration by the European Parliament, would require platforms to implement a dedicated mode for users under 18 that disables infinite scrolling, autoplay, push notifications, and personalised advertising. The measures are designed to reduce the amount of time children spend on social media, limit their exposure to harmful content, and prevent platforms from exploiting their data for commercial purposes.
The push comes amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health and well-being of young people. Studies have shown that excessive use of social media is linked to anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, and poor body image among adolescents. The addictive design of these platforms, which are engineered to keep users engaged for as long as possible, has been identified as a key factor contributing to these negative outcomes.
The proposed regulation also includes provisions to enhance transparency and accountability, requiring platforms to publish annual reports on how they are complying with the new rules and to submit to independent audits. Lawmakers have emphasised that platforms must take proactive steps to protect children, rather than relying on users to manage their own settings.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts by the EU to regulate the digital space, including the Digital Services Act and the General Data Protection Regulation. The new rules would build on these existing frameworks to address the specific challenges posed by social media to children and young people.
Tech companies have expressed concerns about the feasibility of implementing a single, uniform mode for users under 18 across different platforms and jurisdictions. Critics have also questioned the effectiveness of such measures, noting that children may find ways to bypass the safeguards or simply switch to platforms that do not comply. However, lawmakers argue that the regulation would set a clear standard for the industry and provide a level playing field for compliance.
The proposed regulation is currently being debated in the European Parliament and is expected to undergo further amendments before a final vote. If adopted, the rules would apply to all social media platforms operating in the EU, regardless of where they are headquartered. The legislation would represent one of the most comprehensive efforts to regulate social media use among children globallyvom
As the debate continues, lawmakers, tech companies, and child rights advocates are closely monitoring the progress of the proposed regulation, which could set a precedent for other regions seeking to address the challenges posed by social media to young users. For now, the push for a mandatory “youth mode” reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect children in the digital age.
