EU proposes a social media age of 16, as a survey reveals shocking statistics about youth.

A new Eurobarometer survey reveals how Europeans consume political news online, coinciding with EU lawmakers’ call for tighter online safety rules – including a digital minimum age of 16 for social media and AI companions without parental consent.

According to the Flash Eurobarometer Social Media Survey 2025Two-thirds of EU citizens (66%) follow current events through traditional media. Meanwhile, 59 % use digital platforms every day. Television remains dominant at 71 per cent, but among 15–24-year-olds, 65 per cent prefer social media as their main news source.

Over three quarters (76%) of users come across political content by “chance”, demonstrating how algorithms can shape exposure. Even so, 61 percent of respondents are confident in their ability to identify disinformation. However, nearly a third confess that they do not.

Influencers are followed by one-third of Europeans on social media

The report, based on over 26,000 interviews across all 27 EU Member States, found that 37 per cent of respondents follow influencers or content creators – rising to 74 per cent among 15–24-year-olds. Four out of 10 of these followers interact with reviews or social commentaries, underscoring the blurred boundaries between entertainment and politics online.

MEPs ask for a minimum EU-wide age and to ban addictive design

Parallel to that, MEPs in the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee of the European Parliament (IMCO), have urged the European Commission for stronger safety measures regarding children online.
The following is included in the proposal:

• The minimum digital age for AI and social media is 16 (with parental permission in some cases).
• The ban on “addictive design features” such as infinite-scrolling, autoplay and lootboxes
• Restriction on influencer marketing and targeted advertising aimed at minors
• Digital Services Act (DSA), a new law, gives enforcement authorities the power to fine and even ban noncompliant platforms

Rapporteur Christel Schaldemose (S&D, Denmark) said,

Our report makes it clear that there are two ways to increase protection for minors online. We must raise the age limit for social media. This is why we have proposed a 16-year-old minimum across the EU. Secondly, we need stronger safeguards for minors using online services. In my report, I call for mandatory safety by design and for the ban of the most harmful engagement mechanism for minors. “I’m proud of the fact that this step is being taken by Parliament to increase protection for minors.”

The European Parliament will vote on recommendations for online safety in November

Between November 24 and 27, the European Parliament will vote on these recommendations for online safety. They could be the foundation for a new Digital Fairness Act that targets manipulative technologies and persuasive designs.

These developments are a major change for expat families in Europe. They show how social media is used and accessed by young people. The proposed EU-wide regulations could impact both residents and children, as many people rely on digital platforms to get news, interact socially, or even for education.

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