European Union Plans Social Media Restrictions for Children as Nigeria Considers Similar Move

The European Union is preparing new rules to restrict children’s access to social media and other online services, as Nigeria also moves toward regulated internet access for children under 16.

The European Commission is expected to propose the EU Kids Act, which would introduce age-based restrictions on social media, video-sharing platforms, online games and artificial intelligence chatbots.

Under the proposed system, children younger than 15 could face restrictions, while younger age groups would have access to selected services under stronger parental controls.

Platforms would also be required to improve age verification and protections against harmful or addictive content.

The move follows growing concern across Europe about children's exposure to harmful content, online abuse and designs that encourage excessive use of digital platforms.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has previously backed stronger protection for children online, while the European Parliament has called for an EU-wide minimum age for social media use.

Nigeria is also considering a similar approach.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa recently announced that the Federal Government plans to regulate internet access for children below 16 as part of efforts to strengthen online child protection.

The government’s proposal is expected to focus on regulating children's access rather than cutting them off completely from the internet.

Alausa said the move was aimed at protecting young Nigerians while ensuring they can continue to benefit from digital resources.

The plan has already generated debate among education and child-development experts, with some calling for regulation rather than a complete ban.

Nigeria Info reports that experts have urged the government to consider age-appropriate safeguards, parental involvement and digital education as part of the policy.

The developments in Nigeria and Europe reflect a growing global push to place stronger limits on children's access to social media and other online platforms, following similar measures adopted or considered in countries including Australia, France and Spain.