Slovakia Proposes Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

Slovakia’s government has proposed legislation that would prevent children under the age of 16 from accessing social-network accounts, in a move aimed at strengthening protections for young people online.

The proposed legislation, approved by the government on Wednesday, would require social-media platforms to verify users’ ages and prevent those below the proposed minimum age from creating or maintaining accounts.

Slovak officials say the measure is designed to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on children, including addictive behaviour, social pressure, exposure to harmful content, disinformation and online radicalisation.

The government has also pointed to psychological and neuroscience research suggesting that younger adolescents can be particularly vulnerable to manipulation and other risks associated with social-media platforms.

Under the proposal, age verification would be introduced while seeking to limit the amount of personal information platforms collect from users. The government says the system would be designed in line with European Union digital regulations.

If approved by parliament, the measures could take effect in 2027.

The proposal places Slovakia among a growing group of countries considering tougher restrictions on children’s access to social media. The debate reflects increasing international concern over how platforms designed to maximise engagement may affect the wellbeing, privacy and safety of younger users.

However, the proposal is not yet a law. It must still pass through Slovakia’s parliamentary process before the restrictions can become legally enforceable.

What the Proposal Means

• Minimum age: Social-network access would be restricted for children under 16.
• Age verification: Platforms would be required to establish users’ ages.
• Child protection: The government says the measure aims to reduce exposure to harmful and manipulative online content.
• Privacy: The proposed verification system is expected to follow EU digital rules and minimise unnecessary personal-data collection.
• Expected implementation: If approved, the restrictions could come into force in 2027.

Slovakia’s proposal is likely to fuel the wider European debate over whether governments should impose stricter age limits on social media and how such restrictions can be enforced without compromising users’ privacy.