The European Union plans to prohibit social media use for children under the age of 13 and to impose restricted, supervised access for users between 13 and 15, officials announced Wednesday. The initiative comes amid increasing global scrutiny of social media's effects on young people’s mental and physical health.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined the proposed regulations during her annual State of the European Union address before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. She emphasized a “gradual” and age-specific approach to online protections, stating that different age groups require tailored safeguards.

This move follows similar actions internationally, including Australia’s decision last year to ban social media for individuals under 16, which has influenced other countries to reconsider their youth online access policies.

Beyond social media regulation, von der Leyen highlighted the urgent need to address climate change challenges following record-breaking heatwaves across Europe this summer. She announced that the Commission will soon propose a comprehensive European Heatwave Plan designed to enhance early warning systems, improve health sector preparedness, promote urban cooling strategies, and provide support for vulnerable populations. “There can be no repeat of this summer,” she stated, underscoring the importance of proactive adaptation measures.

In addition to climate and digital policy, the Commission is preparing to introduce an emergency response mechanism to assist member states in managing sudden, large-scale migration flows. This follows recent incidents such as the influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Von der Leyen pointed to existing EU legislation that has already contributed to a 55 percent reduction in irregular arrivals over the last two years, suggesting that strengthened cooperation and legal frameworks remain central to the bloc’s migration management strategy.

The proposed social media restrictions, heatwave preparedness plan, and migration response tools reflect the European Union’s broader agenda to protect its citizens amid evolving social, environmental, and geopolitical pressures. Further legislative details and implementation timelines are expected in the coming months as the Commission works in coordination with member states and the European Parliament.