Italian lawmakers are revisiting a proposed law aimed at banning social media access for children under 14, following unrest in Milan on October 17 and 18. The proposal gained traction as authorities and politicians react to the role of social media in organizing protests that led to significant property damage. Young individuals, mostly aged 15 to 16, were arrested after gatherings that were reportedly fueled by communication on Telegram and videos shared on TikTok.
The arrests have prompted both the ruling and opposition parties to discuss measures intended to mitigate the impact of social media that allegedly encouraged the riots. The most likely legislative approach is the bipartisan Mennuni-Madia bill, which has been under parliamentary review since its introduction in 2024. This bill incorporates suggestions from the European Commission, including standardized age verification methods for social media registration.
European Commission’s Proposal
In a parallel development, the European Commission has proposed strict regulations regarding social media access for minors, setting a minimum age of 13 for platform usage. Children aged 13 to 14 would only be allowed to access social media through profiles linked to their parents, with limited functionality and a daily usage cap of one hour. Those aged 15 and older could create their own accounts.
The European regulations also aim to change how social media platforms operate by banning features that encourage excessive usage, such as infinite scrolling. Platforms will be required to implement age verification checks at registration and submit detailed plans on how their services are age-appropriate, with oversight from an independent committee.
The discussions around banning social media for minors are not limited to Italy and the European Union; similar measures have been debated in several countries, with concerns primarily focused on the impact of social media on the mental health of young users. Advocates for these bans include parents, politicians, and some children’s rights organizations, although experts in psychology and adolescent development have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such prohibitions.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has proposed a social media ban for under-16s in the UK, acknowledged the limitations of such measures. Drawing a comparison with alcohol restrictions, he argued that while bans may not eliminate access, they can help protect young people. However, some researchers caution against equating alcohol with social media, noting the distinct differences in their effects on youth.
As legislative discussions continue, the focus remains on how to safely manage social media use among minors while considering the complexities surrounding mental health and digital engagement.
