„The question is not whether children can use social networks. The question is whether and when social networks can reach our children,“ she said.
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She added: „We need to consider the possibility of applying (…) gradual access for different age groups.“
The expert group, composed of doctors, representatives of the academic community, youth representatives, and parents, is to submit its recommendations to the European Union (EU) on Monday.
Greece, France, and Spain took the initiative last year to limit minors’ access to social networks. This has increased pressure on the European Commission to establish an EU-wide ban, as Australia did in December.
In response, the EC President tasked the commission with preparing evidence-based recommendations on how the 27-member bloc should address this issue. She advocates restricting children’s access to social networks and previously mentioned a ban, stating in May that a legislative proposal on this matter is expected this summer.
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Two European officials told AFP they expect Brussels to announce a proposal on the age limit but added that final decisions have not yet been made.
Besides recommendations, the EU has increased pressure on social network platforms to change, demanding on Friday that Facebook and Instagram remove “addictive” features, after a similar warning was issued to TikTok in February.
The expert commission met three times this year, with the last meeting held in June.
Group members did not disclose what they will recommend, but a wide-scale ban is not expected.
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