Dutch MP will propose banning children under 15 from using social media
Dutch political party D66 is advocating for a minimum age of 15 for social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. The party is urging the Dutch government to support a European Union-wide policy to set this restriction, citing the damaging effects of addictive algorithms on children’s mental health.
“Tech giants are harming children’s health because social media is deliberately designed to be addictive,” said D66 parliamentarian Hanneke van der Werf, according to RTL." We see that it disrupts their self-image, consumes their time, and negatively impacts their school performance. Parents are asking for help.”
Van der Werf explained that existing European regulations require parental consent for users under 16, but enforcement is left to the tech companies themselves. “The Netherlands doesn’t let cigarette manufacturers determine and enforce age restrictions,” Van der Werf told Trouw. “Why are we letting tech companies do that?”
D66’s proposal focuses on platforms that employ algorithms to deliver endless personalized content, leading to excessive scrolling. Apps like WhatsApp, which focus on private communication and lack such algorithms, would not fall under the proposed restrictions.
D66 argues that a European approach is essential for effectiveness. “France and Denmark have also called for a minimum age of 15,” Van der Werf said. “Together with other countries, we can hold tech giants accountable.”
Australia has recently announced plans to ban social media for users under 16 beginning next year. D66 is pushing for a similar measure in the Netherlands but with a slightly lower minimum age of 15.
Many Dutch teens spend significant amounts of time on social media. According to RTL, 14-year-old Pim said, “During the week, I’m on TikTok for three hours a day, but on weekends, it can go up to eight hours.”
Another teen, Nadia, expressed skepticism about social media, saying, “Some people think their whole life revolves around social media. I can do without it because I see a lot of fake news.”
Research has shown the harmful effects of social media on children’s mental health. “It keeps children endlessly engaged, disrupts sleep, concentration, and school performance,” Van der Werf told RTL. “It also influences children’s self-image. This needs to stop.”
University of Amsterdam professor Patti Valkenburg echoed these concerns in Trouw. “Scientific research from 2020 shows that social media harms 10 percent of children, and that figure has only risen since then. Girls, in particular, suffer from declining self-confidence,” Valkenburg said. “The algorithms are the most damaging part because they are designed to keep children glued to their screens. It’s truly addictive.”
Under current rules, most social media platforms already require users to be at least 13 years old, but this age limit is often bypassed by entering a false date of birth. D66 is calling for stricter enforcement and better age verification systems.
“Tech companies must create secure verification systems. They are capable of doing this but refuse to because it’s not in their interest,” Van der Werf told RTL. “We need regulations that force them to act, and we can enforce those rules through inspections and fines.”
Valkenburg, however, expressed doubts about the proposal’s effectiveness. “Social media is already forbidden for children under 13, but enforcement has failed,” Valkenburg told Trouw. “Why would a new age limit be any different? Instead of new rules, we should better enforce existing ones.”
D66’s plan includes measures beyond age restrictions. Van der Werf emphasized that tackling social media addiction requires a combination of regulation and education. “We need to take media literacy in schools seriously,” she said. “That’s still in its early stages.”
Van der Werf urged the government to act, drawing parallels to other regulated industries. “We don’t ask cigarette companies what they think is an appropriate age to sell tobacco. Yet, we’re letting tech companies dictate the rules for social media,” she told Trouw.
