The European Union is considering strict new rules on social media use by teenagers, including age limits and phased access. EU leader Ursula von der Leyen has stated that platforms must prove their services are not harmful before young people can use them.

A panel recommended no screens for children under 3, supervised internet use for those under 13, and some restrictions on older teens. This approach is seen as a step towards global efforts to curb kids' social media engagement.

The European Commission will review the report and develop proposals by autumn. Any new legislation would require approval from the European Parliament and all member states before coming into effect across the bloc.

These measures are part of an ongoing trend, with similar regulations already proposed or in place in countries like the UK and Australia. A preliminary EU investigation has found Meta in breach of its Digital Services Act over the 'addictive' design of Facebook and Instagram.