Momentum welcomes European Parliament’s call for under 16 social media ban

by Gozo News · November 27, 2025

Momentum has welcomed the strong message from the European Parliament, which has called for EU-wide rules restricting access to social media platforms for children under 16, unless parents explicitly authorise otherwise.

The Party said that “this position reflects Momentum’s own proposal published earlier this month that platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat should not be accessible to users under 16 due to their well-documented risks to wellbeing, mental health, and online safety.”

Momentum said it is in line with the European approach rather than the Maltese Government’s position, which proposes to limit restrictions only to children under 13.

It added that “at a time when studies continue to show increasing levels of online addiction, harassment, and harmful design features targeted at young people, Momentum believes Malta should align with higher European standards rather than lag behind them.”

Katya Compagno from Momentum said, “we are pleased to see the European Parliament echoing what Momentum has been advocating. Protecting children online requires more than voluntary guidelines; it requires responsible policy. If Europe is moving towards 16 as the minimum age, then Malta should not settle for the bare minimum of 13.”

Momentum also emphasised that digital wellbeing must become a core part of Malta’s education system. “Social media literacy, understanding algorithms, online pressures, risks of manipulation, and responsible use should be embedded in the national curriculum to better prepare young people for both the opportunities and dangers of the digital world.”

Compagno added, “banning access without education is not enough. We need to equip our students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to navigate social media safely when they reach the appropriate age.”

Momentum concluded by saying that it will continue working to ensure that Malta adopts forward-looking policies that protect children, support parents, and keep the country aligned with the best emerging European practices.