Sep 17, Kathmandu - The European Union (EU) is advancing a plan to ban children under the age of 13 from using social media platforms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced this initiative during a speech to EU parliamentarians in Strasbourg, France.

Addressing the impact of large technology companies, von der Leyen emphasized the need to limit their influence. "Many believe that the power of big tech giants is excessive and unchangeable, but I disagree," she stated.

Under the proposed plan, children aged 13 to 15 would be allowed to use social media only under parental supervision, through a system of 'mini accounts' created and monitored by parents, explained von der Leyen.

"This means that children between 13 and 15 will only have access to 'mini accounts' overseen by their parents," she added. These accounts would offer limited features and restrict usage to a maximum of one hour daily.

For the 15 to 18 age group, social media platforms would be required to adopt child-friendly and safe design practices.

Von der Leyen highlighted that European youth currently spend four to six hours daily in front of screens. She pointed out that social media feeds, designed to keep users scrolling, are highly attractive to children.

"This is robbing children of their childhood," she concluded.