The **European Commission** is contemplating a significant policy shift regarding children's access to social media, with President **Ursula von der Leyen** advocating for a mandatory age 13 "start date." This initiative seeks to establish a consistent, EU-wide delay to social media access for children not under direct caregiver supervision. "While ultimately it is up to parents to decide when children get their first smartphones, what we already have is a consensus that there needs to be a start date for the age children can join social media," **von der Leyen** stated, emphasizing the need for a unified approach across member states. The proposal envisions a phased introduction to social media for children once they turn 13. This gradual access would be dependent on platforms demonstrating that their services are "age-appropriate and safe for teenagers," according to reports from the **Financial Times**. This announcement comes amidst growing concern from **EU** member states, many of whom are already implementing or considering their own national bans for younger children. Countries like **France**, **Spain**, and **Greece** are at the forefront of these efforts, reflecting a broader sentiment that current protections are insufficient. **Von der Leyen** sharply criticized the current state of affairs, stating, "The status quo, a world where we continue to allow big tech unrestricted access to our children, will only consign another generation to more mental harm, addiction and misery." She highlighted alarming statistics, noting that European children spend an average of four to six hours daily on screens, equating to "twenty years of their life" over time. Drawing a parallel to other industries, **von der Leyen** asserted that social media architects should be held accountable for user safety, much like car manufacturers are expected to provide safety features such as seatbelts and airbags. "It is clear we need age-appropriate restrictions to platforms," she urged, underscoring the urgency by adding, "Because childhood will not wait. And once it is gone, we cannot give it back." While most social media platforms currently have a minimum age requirement of 13, these restrictions are often easily circumvented. The **EU**'s proposed legislation aims to provide the legal backing necessary to enforce these age gates effectively. However, it remains to be seen if the age 13 threshold will satisfy all critics, as some member countries have been pushing for even stricter bans for children aged 15 and under.