As governments across Europe debate stricter social media rules for children under 16, a growing chorus of young activists is demanding a seat at the table. They argue that outright bans ignore the central role these platforms play in their lives and risk shutting them out of public discourse.
Blanket bans miss the mark, activists say
In France, the youth movement Ctrl+Alt+Reclaim mobilized ahead of a parliamentary vote on a bill restricting social media for those under 15. Thomas Yaqoubi Reboul and Noe Hamon drafted amendments sent directly to senators, proposing regulation of platforms rather than a blanket ban. They noticed that after their intervention, the bill was revised to distinguish between “very problematic” platforms and those considered “digital tools.”
“Social media is one of the few remaining public spaces that is totally free and accessible for young people,” Hamon told European Pulse. “It allows them to socialize, learn, create, and build community.” He added that as physical spaces become more inaccessible, digital spaces are vital.
The group also published opinion pieces in Le Monde and held meetings with young people across the country. Many were initially supportive of bans but changed their minds when they realized restrictions would block access to games like Roblox and Fortnite, as well as Instagram and TikTok. “They know they are at risk online, but they don’t believe their social space should be constricted,” Yaqoubi Reboul said.
Students demand a voice in policy
Lauren Bond, 19, a board member of the Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU), which represents student unions across Europe, says students feel blamed for online harms. “They feel the responsibility to create a safer digital world is being placed on them,” she said.
Bond argues that blanket bans ignore the lived reality of young people. “Social media platforms don’t automatically become safer when you turn 18 or 19,” she noted. Instead, she advocates for a combination of stronger regulation and investment in digital literacy. Her own high school in Ireland taught digital citizenship from age 11, using real-life scenarios. “The bare foundations of how we teach digital citizenship need to be established across Europe,” she said.
A progressive exposure model from the Netherlands
Niels Zagema, the Netherlands representative on the European Commission President’s Youth Advisory Board, has spoken to over a thousand young people in Dutch high schools. Most oppose outright bans, even while acknowledging that restrictions could help curb harmful behaviors like excessive screen time.
Zagema proposes a progressive exposure model, where parents and policymakers gradually introduce technologies based on a child’s age. He points to Dutch guidelines that ask parents to teach chat communication first, then slowly introduce social media after age 15. “Social media can really be the basis of a society—for information, connection, and participation,” he said.
The activists’ pushback comes as the EU already has tools like the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA), which they argue should be better enforced. EU Trade Chief Rejects US Ultimatum: 'Legislation Cannot Be Dictated by Social Media Threats' underscores the bloc’s determination to regulate platforms independently.
Meanwhile, the debate over online safety is not limited to social media. Job Scams Surge Across Europe: Recruiters Face Identity Theft as Gen Z Bears Brunt highlights how digital risks extend beyond platforms. Young activists insist that the solution is not to cut off access but to equip users with the skills to navigate the digital world safely.
