Spain parents may finally get help against the apps children cannot put down

For many families the argument often starts at “please just one more video”. Europe is considering limits on the features that keep children scrolling, while Spain pushes tougher age restrictions. The proposals could bring stricter checks, safer default settings and new responsibilities for platforms used by children across the EU.

Why Europe is targeting the way social media keeps children online

One clip ends, another begins, and a child who was meant to stop five minutes ago is still staring at the screen. That familiar scene is now at the centre of a new European push to protect minors online. A special panel set up by the European Commission has recommended an EU-wide restriction on social media and other digital services for children under 13.

But the report goes further than just age limits. It also calls for restrictions on autoplay, infinite scrolling, push notifications and personalised recommendation systems that encourage users to stay online for longer. The panel argues that child safety should be built into platforms from the start, rather than depending mainly on parents to control use at home.

Spain’s consumer organisation OCU, the Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios, has backed that approach. It says platforms should reduce features that may encourage addictive behaviour and prove their services are safe for minors.

For younger users, that could mean fewer notifications, less aggressive recommendation systems and feeds that no longer continue endlessly.

Why Spain could still impose tougher rules than the EU

The panel’s headline recommendation is a common restriction below 13. Access at younger ages could still be allowed in limited circumstances, including with parental consent or for educational purposes. However, the report also says individual member states may choose a higher age threshold.

Spain is one of those countries where the government has taken a stricter position. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said earlier this year that Spain plans to prevent children under 16 from accessing digital platforms, with companies expected to introduce effective age verification rather than relying on a date-of-birth box.

The government has also linked the proposed changes to stronger parental controls, more transparent algorithms and greater responsibility for platform operators. Families in Spain could therefore face a common European minimum below 13 and a stricter national limit extending to under-16s.

Nothing has changed yet for children already using TikTok, Instagram, YouTube or other services. Neither the EU recommendations nor Spain’s planned restrictions have taken full legal effect.

How age checks could change social media sign-ups in Spain

Any future restrictions will depend on platforms establishing whether a user is old enough without collecting more personal information than necessary. The European panel supports age-assurance systems that are reliable but respect privacy. Spain is developing a Digital Wallet intended to help verify age online, while the European Union has produced a technical model that countries can adapt.

In practice, ticking a box to claim a false age may no longer be enough. A platform could receive confirmation that someone is above the required age without receiving their full identity or date of birth. Younger users could need parental approval, while teenagers may be placed automatically into more protective versions of apps. Privacy campaigners are likely to examine whether those checks can be introduced without turning every login into an identity check.

What parents can do before the rules change

The European Commission says it will consider the panel’s recommendations before proposing further measures, while Spain is still negotiating its under-16 plans. In the meantime, the Commission recommends checking whether apps and games are suitable for a child’s age, keeping devices out of bedrooms for younger children, especially early in the morning and late at night, and discussing screen limits with teenagers. It also advises parents to spend time with children online and look at what their algorithms are recommending, rather than treating every disagreement as a reason to confiscate a device.

The next steps will be whether Brussels turns the report into legislation, whether Spain keeps the proposed age of 16 and how platforms are required to redesign services for younger users.