No Social Media Ban for Under-16s in Flanders

The Flemish regional government has announced that it will not introduce a ban on social media for children under 16, following prolonged debate about the impact of online platforms on young people. Media Minister Cieltje Van Achter unveiled the new ‘Safe Online’ action plan, which acknowledges the potential risks posed by social media to minors but ultimately decided that a sweeping ban would be inappropriate. The current minimum age to use social media in Flanders will remain at 13.

Minister Van Achter emphasized that an outright ban could backfire, highlighting that social media can provide young people with access to information, support, and opportunities for self-expression. While some coalition partners advocated raising the minimum age to 15 or 16, expert recommendations and a warning report from the High Health Council moved the government toward protective rather than prohibitive measures. The plan warns that strict age verification methods could lead children to seek out less regulated, riskier platforms and acknowledges potential privacy concerns.

Instead, the Flemish government wants social media companies to take more responsibility by strictly enforcing existing rules—especially preventing use by children under 13—removing addictive features, and banning personalized advertising aimed at minors. Non-compliant platforms may face tough penalties, including temporary shutdowns, as seen with the European Commission’s suspension of TikTok Lite. Additionally, the government is determined to strengthen media literacy among citizens, aiming to help them better recognize disinformation, deepfakes, and content generated by artificial intelligence.