Belgium is moving toward establishing a minimum age for social media use to better protect children’s mental and physical health. The move follows a comprehensive report by the Superior Health Council (SHC), which assessed the consequences of social media and screen use on young people.
Federal Digitalisation Minister Vanessa Matz (Les Engagés) said the report confirms the need for “real protection” online, suggesting a minimum age for social media access. “The findings in this report build on prior investigations by the French commission of inquiry into TikTok, Amnesty International, Testachats, and others,” Matz added.
If implemented, Belgium would go further than the nationwide smartphone ban already in effect for primary and secondary school pupils in Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia, introduced at the start of the school year.
Physical and Psychological Effects
The SHC report, commissioned by Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit), found clear physical and psychological consequences from excessive screen use, particularly social media.
Physical issues include sedentary behaviour, sleep disruption, and eyesight strain. Prolonged exposure in young children has also been linked to delays in cognitive, motor, and language development. Conversely, co-viewing certain educational content may have positive effects.
Psychologically, the report stressed that content, platform design, and context play a larger role than screen time. While some interactions, such as educational or creative content, encourage learning and social engagement, prolonged exposure to harmful content—such as beauty advice from influencers—can lead to body dissatisfaction, high mental pressure, and depressive symptoms. Other risks include cyberbullying, sextortion, grooming, and addictive behaviours reinforced by persuasive platform designs.
Recommendations and Debate on Age Limits
The SHC advocates restricting social media access for children under 13 but emphasises that screen use must be addressed as a broader societal issue. “Isolated measures will not suffice. A coordinated combination of educational, preventative, regulatory, and support actions is required,” the report stated.
Matz highlighted the need for an age verification system to enforce the limit, though political parties are divided on the appropriate age. Flemish Media Minister Cieltje Van Achter (N-VA) supports the 13-year threshold, cautioning against extending it to 16, while stressing enforcement and media literacy programs for children and parents.
Vooruit, however, calls for a ban until age 15. Party leader Conner Rousseau warned about the dangers of toxic content and social media challenges, advocating parental controls and digital identification via the itsme application.
Similarly, Flemish Christian Democrat Sammy Mahdi supports a minimum age of 16, citing a need to protect children from harmful content. He proposed fines for non-compliant tech companies, similar to Australia’s recent legislation. From December 10, Australians under 16 are being removed from Meta platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.
Alternative Approaches and Education
The Flemish Greens oppose a strict age ban, arguing that regulating harmful algorithms and advertising, along with media education, is more effective. MP Bram Jacques emphasised teaching children critical social media skills to navigate the digital world safely.
Next Steps for Legislation
Federal Parliament will soon review proposals for the protection of young people online and curbing malicious anonymity. Following recommendations, Matz intends to submit a draft bill ensuring minors are protected in line with EU guidelines.
The bill aims to create a robust legal framework, including effective digital age verification, to ensure compliance while preserving the benefits of technology for children. Belgium’s debate reflects growing international concern over social media’s impact on youth, balancing protection, education, and digital inclusion for the next generation.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
