In a landmark announcement, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez revealed that the government intends to ban access to social networks for children and adolescents under 16. The announcement was made during the World Government Summit in Dubai, where Sánchez spoke alongside around 30 heads of state and government from across the globe.
Spain Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
“We must ensure that our children are protected in digital spaces,” Sánchez said, describing current social media platforms as a “digital Wild West” where minors are exposed to numerous risks.
Planned legislative process
The measure is set to be formalised in the next Cabinet meeting (Consejo de Ministros). As part of a comprehensive legislative package, the government plans to introduce effective age verification systems to ensure that users under 16 no longer have access to platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat.
The legislative package will also hold platforms more accountable: operators must ensure that illegal content, hate speech, and algorithmic manipulations are actively monitored and removed.
Objectives of the measure
The Spanish government emphasises that the ban is intended not only to restrict access but also to improve the digital safety of children. The main risks include:
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Harmful content, violence, or sexualised material
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Cyberbullying and online hate
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Disinformation and algorithmic manipulation
“The aim is to let children grow up in a protected digital environment while holding platforms legally accountable,” Sánchez said.
Background & international comparisons
Currently, the minimum age for independent social media use in Spain is 14. Under the new regulation, this would be raised to 16—a move that positions Spain as one of the leading countries in Europe for the protection of minors in the digital space.
Similar measures have already been implemented in Australia, while countries such as France and Portugal are discussing comparable age limits. Experts note that Spain is thus part of a broader trend toward stricter regulation of digital spaces for children.
Further planned digital reforms
In addition to age verification, the government also plans to:
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Legal responsibility of platform operators for illegal or hateful content
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Strict measures against algorithmic manipulation
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A monitoring system to analyse online hate and polarisation
These reforms are intended to make the digital landscape safer and more transparent while also strengthening the rights of minors.
Relevance for society and the economy
The debate over digital safety is becoming increasingly important. Studies show that many minors gain early access to social media, leading to a rise in cyberbullying, online addiction, and exposure to inappropriate content. Experts warn that the planned ban could have significant effects on platforms, families, and the digital advertising industry.
With this, the Spanish government is sending a clear signal: children’s rights in the digital space will take priority, and platforms must consistently monitor their content.
Protecting minors in focus
The planned ban marks a historic step in the regulation of social networks in Spain. It combines the protection of minors with the legal accountability of platforms and could serve as a model for other European countries.
With this measure, Spain once again positions itself as a pioneer in digital safety and youth protection, demonstrating that safeguarding children on social media is no longer optional.
