Europe Pushes for 16+ Age Limit on Social Media & AI Chatbots

The European Parliament wants to set a minimum age of 16 for using social media and AI chatbots. It’s not a law yet, but it shows lawmakers are serious about protecting teens online.

What’s the Resolution About?

Default age limit: 16 years → Teenagers under 16 would not be able to use social media or AI chatbots unless their parents give permission.
Parental consent for 13–15 year olds → Parents can decide if their children in this age group can access these platforms.
Covers more than just social media → It also includes video-sharing sites and AI companions, which are becoming popular among young users.

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Why Is This Happening?

Lawmakers are worried about:

Addictive features like endless scrolling and loot boxes in games.
Mental health risks such as cyberbullying, anxiety, and exposure to harmful content.
AI chatbots that may not always provide age-appropriate responses.

The goal is to make online spaces safer and healthier for teenagers.

What Else Is Being Proposed?

Making tech CEOs personally responsible if their platforms repeatedly break child-protection rules.
Using ID checks to prevent anonymous accounts.
Limiting algorithms that push addictive content.

Global Context

Europe isn’t alone. Australia is also considering a 16-year minimum age for social media accounts. This shows a growing global trend: governments want stricter rules to protect young people online.

What Does It Mean for Us?

Right now, this resolution is just a recommendation. Each EU country will decide whether to adopt it. But it’s clear that the conversation about kids, tech, and safety is heating up worldwide.
For parents, educators, and young users, this is a reminder: online engagement should be fun and educational, but also safe and age appropriate.

In Short

Europe wants to raise the minimum age for social media and AI chatbots to 16, aiming to protect teenagers from harmful content and addictive features. It’s not law yet, but it could shape the future of how young people interact with technology.

Source: Press Release