The European Union is exploring significant restrictions on children's access to social media, including age limits, phased access, and potential bans.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the focus is on controlling when social media can access children, not whether they can use it.

The proposed legislation would require platforms to prove their services are safe for young users, with recommendations from an expert panel suggesting no screens for children under 3, supervised internet use for those under 13, and limits for older teens.

The Commission plans to propose new laws after reviewing the panel's recommendations, though approval from the European Parliament and member states is still needed.Critics argue the measures could impact ad revenue for games with loot boxes and suggest alternatives like encouraging outdoor activities.The debate highlights growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health and digital well-being.