Spain Aims to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced plans to ban social media access for individuals under 16, joining a global trend to protect children from online harm. The proposed ban, announced in February 2026, requires parliamentary approval and is part of a broader legislative effort to regulate social media companies. This includes holding executives accountable for illegal content and criminalizing algorithm manipulation. The aim is to reassert democratic control over digital platforms amidst growing concerns about the impact of social media on children's mental health and online safety. Similar measures are being considered in other countries like France and Denmark, although concerns exist regarding enforcement and potential migration to less regulated online spaces.