At the ‘Protecting Children in the Digital Age’ event, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Australia’s introduction of a minimum age law for social media use and highlighted ongoing efforts within the European Union to address children’s safety online.
Von der Leyen acknowledged Australia’s leadership, stating, “Since the announcement of Australia’s landmark minimum age law, I have been watching closely. And I have been inspired by Australia’s example. Firstly, that you are the first to give this a try. And that when your loud critics tell you ‘this will not work’, ‘that it cannot be done’, ‘that the tech genie cannot be put back in the bottle’, you are persisting. We in Europe are watching and will be learning from you as you implement your world-first, and world-leading social media ban.”
She emphasized concerns over increasing screen time among children in Europe, noting that “in just 15 years, across the EU children aged 9 to 15 more than doubled the time they spend on screens and social media.” Von der Leyen pointed out risks such as cyber-bullying, encouragement of self-harm, online predators, and addictive algorithms designed for profit.
The president detailed steps already underway in Europe: “We have begun the work of requiring effective age verification. So that even online – and especially online – kids can be just that: kids. This summer, the Commission released a prototype for an age-verification method designed to work across our Union. Five of our Member States – France, Spain, Greece, Denmark, and Italy – are currently testing the pilot. We would be happy to share these results with you.”
Von der Leyen also discussed growing support among EU Member States for setting a ‘digital majority age’ for accessing social media platforms: “Many Member States believe the time has come for a ‘digital majority age’ for access to social media. And I must tell you as a mother of seven children, and grandmother of five, I share their view.”
She announced plans to establish an expert panel at the European level: “This is why I will establish a panel of experts to assess what steps make sense at the European level. Throughout this process we will listen as well to the true experts on this issue: Parents. Teachers. Scientists. And most importantly young people themselves.”
Concluding her remarks, von der Leyen reiterated appreciation for Australian efforts: “Thank you to the people of Australia for your leadership on this issue… This gives me hope that it will be similarly backed by a broad cross-section of society in Europe.” She added her intention to continue collaboration between Europe and Australia on digital child protection measures.
