Slovenia is preparing draft legislation that would prohibit children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, Deputy Prime Minister Matej Arcon said on Thursday, as European governments take a tougher stance on technology they say may be harmful to young users.
The country, which has a population of about two million, is following moves by Spain and Greece, both of which this week proposed restrictions on social media use by teenagers. The proposals reflect growing concern across Europe that some online platforms are designed to be addictive and may negatively affect children’s mental health and development.
Slovenia Social Media Ban Gains Momentum
Arcon said the initiative had been launched by the Education Ministry and would draw on the experiences of other countries that have already introduced or proposed similar measures. Experts in education and digital technologies will also be involved in drafting the legislation.
“This has been a hot topic around the world and in Europe in recent weeks and months, and with this, we as a government are showing that we care about our children,” Arcon told reporters following a government session.
The draft law aims to protect children and adolescents by regulating access to social networks where user-generated content is shared. Arcon specifically mentioned platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram as falling within the scope of the proposed legislation.
Europe Tightens Rules on Teen Social Media Use
Across Europe, governments are increasingly reassessing how social media platforms interact with young users. Spain has proposed banning social media access for children under 16, while Greece is close to announcing a similar restriction for those under 15, according to a senior government source.
Other countries, including Britain and France, are also considering stricter measures. The debate intensified after Australia in December became the first country to ban access to social media platforms for children younger than 16.
Slovenia’s proposed move adds to a growing European discussion over balancing digital freedoms with child protection, as policymakers weigh the societal impact of social media on younger generations.
