Slovenia Plans Bill To Ban Social Media For Under-15s Amid European Push

Slovenia is drawing up draft legislation that would bar children under 15 from accessing social media, Deputy Prime Minister Matej Arcon said on Thursday, as the government moves to strengthen online protections for young people.

With a population of roughly 2 million, Slovenia is following recent proposals in Spain and Greece that reflect a tougher European stance on platforms critics say are designed to be addictive. The Education Ministry initiated the move, and officials said education and digital-technology experts will be involved in drafting the law.

"This has been a hot topic around the world and in Europe in recent weeks and months, and with this, we as a government are showing that we care about our children," Arcon said after a government session.

The government singled out social networks where user-generated content is shared, naming TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram among the platforms it intends to regulate. Spain has proposed a ban for under-16s, while Greece is reportedly close to proposing a similar under-15 restriction. Australia became the first country in December to bar access for children under 16, and Britain and France are also weighing tougher measures.

The proposal is at an early stage and will draw on international experience and expert input before being brought to parliament. Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic; editing by Jane Merriman.