Young activists across Europe are urging lawmakers to focus on stronger regulation of social media platforms rather than imposing outright bans on users under 16, as governments debate stricter rules for children’s online access.
The proposals under discussion in several European countries aim to shield minors from online harm, but youth advocates argue that excluding them from digital spaces ignores how deeply social media is embedded in their daily lives.
In France, Ireland and the Netherlands, student groups and youth representatives say platforms are not only spaces for entertainment but also for education, communication and civic participation. Many warn that sweeping bans could do more harm than good by cutting young people off from essential social and cultural connections.
Members of the French youth initiative Ctrl+Alt+Reclaim have been actively engaging with policymakers ahead of parliamentary votes on restricting social media use for children under 15. The group submitted amendments urging regulators to tighten platform accountability instead of banning access entirely, and also published opinion pieces in national media outlets.
One of the group’s members, Thomas Yaqoubi Reboul, said discussions with teenagers revealed strong resistance once the consequences of a ban were fully explained, particularly the loss of access to widely used platforms and games.
He said many young people recognise risks online but still view social media as an important public space.
“Social media is one of the few remaining public spaces that is totally free and accessible for young people,” said fellow activist Noe Hamon.
Youth advocates also argue that existing European laws, including the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act, should be enforced more effectively rather than introducing new restrictions that limit access for minors.
Lauren Bond, a student representative with the Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions, said students feel excluded from policymaking debates and are often blamed for problems they did not create.
Bond added that online platforms do not become safer simply because users age, stressing the need for systemic reform instead of age-based restrictions.
She also highlighted the importance of digital literacy education in schools, pointing to early training on online risks and behaviour as essential tools for young people navigating digital spaces.
From the Netherlands, youth representative Niels Zagema has called for a gradual “progressive exposure” model, where children are introduced to digital tools in stages under parental and educational guidance rather than being abruptly restricted.
In Ireland, youth advocate Aisling Maloney said social media has played a key role in helping young people stay connected, particularly in rural areas, and should be improved rather than restricted.
Across all groups, there is broad agreement that stronger enforcement of existing rules, better education and platform accountability would be more effective than blanket bans.
Young activists continue to push for direct involvement in policymaking, arguing that decisions shaping their digital future should not be made without their input.
