The Flemish government has introduced a legal age limit of 13 years for accessing social media platforms deemed harmful to minors.
Currently, the minimum age to create an account is set at 13, but this rule is often bypassed without enforcement. The government now plans to mandate platforms like TikTok and Snapchat to implement effective age verification systems.
Media Minister Cieltje Van Achter says the goal is to turn the age limit into “a real, enforceable standard.”
The decision follows a broader debate in Flanders regarding the risks posed by social media to young users.
Concerns raised include exposure to harmful content, unsafe interactions, addictive algorithms, and misinformation.
Some political parties, including Vooruit and Christen Democratisch en Vlaams (CD&V), proposed raising the minimum age to 15 or 16, similar to regulations recently adopted in Australia.
However, coalition partner Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA) opposed such an outright ban for younger teens.
Under the 'Safe Online' action plan approved in late 2025, it was decided not to enforce a ban up to 16 years but to improve protections for minors.
Measures include mandatory age verification for users under 13 and restrictions on addictive features such as endless scrolling.
The new initiative outlines the creation of an official list of “harmful social media platforms.” These companies will be expected to comply with strict age control regulations or face sanctions.
The Flemish Regulator for Media, in collaboration with the European Commission, will monitor compliance.
Sanctions at the European level could include fines, and platforms that fail to comply may ultimately be taken offline.
Minister Van Achter highlighted recent research and legal rulings that hold platforms such as Facebook and TikTok accountable for the addictive design of their services.
These, she said, signal a “clear trend” of growing public concern over the impact of social media on society and particularly on children.
“Social media must become safer for everyone,” the minister asserted.
“For too long, Big Tech has ignored the problem. We will no longer tolerate it. You either follow the rules, protect our children, or face exclusion from our market,” she stated emphatically.
