EU Country Moves to Put Parental Locks on Social Media for Teens

Portugal’s parliament has approved, in its first reading, a bill that would require explicit parental consent for children aged 13 to 16 to access social media platforms.

The proposal marks one of the first concrete legislative efforts in Europe to impose such restrictions.

The draft legislation was introduced by the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) and was approved by 148 votes to 69, with 13 abstentions. The bill can still be amended before a final vote.

Digital Mobile Key to Enforce Consent

Under the proposed law, a public system known as the Digital Mobile Key (DMK) will allow parents to grant consent for their children’s access to social media.

The DMK system will also help enforce the existing ban on children under 13 accessing digital social media platforms, video and image sharing services, and online betting sites.

Technology companies will be required to implement age verification systems compatible with the DMK.

Government Cites Child Protection Concerns

Supporters of the bill say it is necessary to protect children from cyberbullying, harmful online content, and predatory individuals.

The legislation states that multinational digital platforms have been able to set rules unilaterally, affecting children’s cognitive and emotional development, particularly in cases of early or excessive exposure.

It also notes that social media platforms have, over the past two decades, assumed roles traditionally held by families and schools without regulatory oversight.

Before the vote, PSD lawmaker Paulo Marcelo said the aim is not to prohibit access for its own sake but to establish rules that empower parents to supervise and control their children’s online activity.

Technology companies that fail to comply with the restrictions could face fines of up to 2% of their global revenue.

Part of Broader International Trend

Portugal’s move follows similar legislative efforts elsewhere. France’s lower house recently backed a bill to ban children under 15 from social media amid concerns about bullying and mental health.

In Australia, a ban on social media use for children under 16, covering platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, came into force in December.