Dutch government says children should not have access to TikTok, Instagram before 15

The Dutch government has issued new guidelines advising that children under 15 should not use social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. While it supports allowing those over 13 to access messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal, it recommends delaying social media use until age 15.

The Netherlands joins other EU countries, including France, Greece, and Spain, in pushing for stricter rules on minors’ access to social media due to concerns over mental health and development. France’s President Macron has also called for a 15+ age limit.

The guidelines stress that chat apps can support social growth and self-expression for children over 12. They also recommend limiting screen time — starting with 30 minutes daily for toddlers and increasing to three hours for teens — and urge parents and teachers to lead by example by reducing their own phone use around children.

The Dutch Parliament requested these guidelines in February, while EU-level progress on the issue remains slow despite growing concern.

via Politico