The European Commission is considering introducing an EU-wide social media ban for minors, possibly as early as this summer. Ursula von der Leyen said growing concern about the harmful effects of online platforms on children has prompted calls for stronger protections across European Union member states. Countries including France, Spain, Greece and Denmark are pushing for stricter controls amid fears about addiction, anxiety and excessive screen use among young people. The proposed timeline could allow Brussels to move ahead of new French legislation expected to come into force in September. Meanwhile, Brussels has placed platforms including Instagram and Snapchat under scrutiny over concerns they failed to protect minors adequately. The bloc is also considering banning certain addictive design features under the proposed Digital Fairness Act. Similar restrictions have already been introduced in Australia and Indonesia.