Croatian MEPs back EU ban on social media for under-13s

BRUSSELS/ZAGREB, 16 October 2025 (Hina) – Members of the European Parliament have backed swift enforcement of the Digital Services Act and new restrictions on addictive online practices to better protect minors, including a potential ban on social media use for those under 13.

The Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection voted 32 in favour, five against and nine abstentions to adopt a report expressing concern over the failure of major online platforms to adequately protect minors.

The report highlights growing risks linked to addiction, mental health, and exposure to illegal or harmful content.

Under the proposal, access to social networks, video-sharing platforms, and AI companions would be restricted to those aged 16 and over, unless explicitly approved by parents.

A minimum age of 13 would apply for any social media use.

Croatian MEPs Support Stronger Safeguards

Croatian Members of the European Parliament Tomislav Sokol (HDZ/EPP) and Biljana Borzan (SDP/S&D), both members of the committee, supported the initiative and helped shape the report through their amendments.

Sokol welcomed the adoption of his proposal to ban algorithmic recommendation systems for minors, stressing the harm such systems can cause.

“Algorithms promote content based on profiling, keeping children glued to screens and encouraging addictive behaviour,” Sokol explained.

“For example, if a child’s favourite cartoon hero is identified, the algorithm feeds them endless related content to hold their attention. This is unacceptable. The digital world must cater to children’s developmental needs, not market interests,” he added.

Borzan Warns of Mental Health Impact

Borzan emphasised the mental health consequences of digital addiction, citing alarming statistics.

“Many children experience unpleasant or harmful encounters online, but only one in ten tell their parents,” she said. “In Spain, a study found that over 15 percent of young people aged 14 to 17 have attempted suicide, and nearly 30 percent have self-harmed in the past year.”

She noted that 60 percent of children in the EU lie about their age to access social networks, despite existing restrictions, and called for stronger age verification mechanisms, such as document-based checks.

“Only one in five parents in Croatia use parental controls,” Borzan added. “These tools must be far simpler to use. When companies want to sell us face cream, they can predict our age — yet when children use their platforms, they suddenly ‘can’t tell’. We’re also calling for greater personal accountability from tech company managers who knowingly expose children to harm.”

Borzan pointed to a Croatian survey she conducted showing that 96.5 percent of citizens believe children spend too much time on phones, and that three-quarters fear excessive screen use is delaying school readiness.

“This year, over 4,000 children in Croatia had their school enrolment postponed due to developmental, emotional, or motor issues linked to overuse of digital devices,” she warned.

Next Steps

The European Parliament will vote on its recommendations to improve online safety for minors during its plenary session from 24 to 27 November.