In a 17 June 2026 plenary debate on protecting children from social media risks, MEPs broadly agreed on the urgency of action but diverged sharply on solutions, with some calling for bans and strict regulation while others emphasised parental supervision and digital literacy. EU Culture Commissioner Glenn Micallef outlined the Commission's existing framework (DSA, AVMSD, GDPR, AI Act) and announced upcoming initiatives: the Digital Fairness Act, the AVMSD review, and a special panel on child safety online reporting in July. He stressed enforcement against platforms like TikTok and Meta for addictive design and age-verification failures.
Renew's Valérie Hayer urged a ban on social media for under-16s, while Greens-EFA's Kim van Sparrentak pushed for banning addictive design in the Digital Fairness Act. EPP's Ewa Kopacz and S&D's Alex Agius Saliba called for strict enforcement and safe algorithms. ECR's Antonella Sberna demanded platforms be liable for harmful content and age verification. The Left's Carolina Morace called for clear EU rules and digital literacy. In contrast, Patriots for Europe's Annamária Vicsek emphasised parental supervision and digital literacy, while EPP's Pablo Arias Echeverría and Laurent Castillo warned against solely blaming platforms, stressing parental responsibility. ESN's Sarah Knafo criticised the debate for ignoring pedophile crimes and advocated for a public register of offenders. Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová directly addressed Meta and X owners, accusing them of prioritising profit over child safety. A blue-card exchange saw Petras Gražulis link gender ideology to harm, which Cifrová Ostrihoňová dismissed as irrelevant.
The debate exposed a cleavage between those favouring stricter regulation and bans versus those emphasising education and parental roles. A ban on under-16s would impose compliance costs on platforms and restrict access for minors, potentially reducing exposure to harmful content but also limiting beneficial use. Stricter enforcement of age verification and addictive design rules would increase regulatory burdens on tech companies, particularly Meta and TikTok, while enhancing consumer protection for children. Emphasis on parental responsibility and digital literacy shifts the burden to families and schools, requiring investment in education but avoiding heavy-handed regulation. No formal decision was taken; the Commission will consider the panel's recommendations in July, which could shape future legislative proposals.