THE TELEGRAPH: Brussels poised to ‘delay’ use of online services after Australia barred under-16s
The European Union could announce a ban on social media for children as soon as this summer, Ursula von der Leyen has said.
France is set to be the first EU country to follow Australia, which has a minimum age of 16, in outlawing the technology for children in September. It plans to stop children under 15 using the services.
Brussels could now propose legislation for an EU-wide ban sooner than that, after a panel of experts finishes deliberating online child safety, Mrs von der Leyen said.
“I believe we must consider a social media delay,” the European Commission president said at a conference in Copenhagen.
“Depending on the results, we could come up with a legal proposal this summer,” she said on Tuesday.
She praised Australia for its ban and added: “We are witnessing the lightning speed at which technology is advancing – and how it penetrates every corner of childhood and adolescence.
“Childhood and early adolescence are formative years, and I believe we should give our children more time to become resilient in this vulnerable phase.” » | James Crisp, Europe Editor | Tuesday, May 12, 2026
We are living in the banning age! Recently, it was announced that, soon, British adults are to be infantilised by banning the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to adults, the age of whom is to rise year upon year. Until eventually, no adult will ever be able to buy cigarettes legally.
Now, the EU is proposing to ban social media to children. So now, one has to ask oneself, and have fear of, what is to be banned next? The consumption of sugar? The imbibing of alcohol? Or perhaps something else that we might enjoy. The concept of ;joie de vivre’ is truly no longer en vogue.
In years gone by, encouraging good, sensible, healthy behaviour was the remit of good parents and one’s family. In the case of children, good parents would keep a keen eye on their children's behaviour and habits. Similarly, with adults in the family when smoking. If one smoked too many cigarettes, one's family members would soon let one know!
These days, however, we have governments taking over the reins on all behaviours and lifestyle habits. One cannot help being reminded of George Orwell's dystopian novel entitled 'Nineteen Eighty-Four'! — © Mark Alexander
ADDENDUM:
“Childhood and early adolescence are formative years, and I believe we should give our children more time to become resilient in this vulnerable phase.”
As someone qualified in education and childhood development, I should like to draw the following to your attention, and to the attention of other politicians and lawmakers, too.
This, Madam President, is why a mother’s place is in the home, caring for her children, not out in the workplace. A mother’s first duty is to her children; it is not to the economy! And a politician’s responsibility is to bring about the economic circumstances on which this state-of-affairs is made possible once again. Politicians should just look around them and observe the low standards that have ensued because mothers have prioritised the workplace over the raising of their children. Fact is: Children do not, and cannot, bring themselves up! They need to be brought up. — © Mark Alexander
