As governments worldwide grapple with the complexities of child safety in the digital age, a growing trend of “blanket bans” is emerging. From Greece to discussions across the EU, policymakers are increasingly leaning toward age-based restrictions to limit minors’ access to social media. However, a recent set of recommendations from the Council of Europe (CoE) suggests that these sweeping measures may be more counterproductive than protective.
The Risks of Over-Regulation
The push for total bans often overlooks the practical reality of how children behave online. Evidence from the United Kingdom and Australia indicates that excessive restrictions frequently backfire: rather than staying safe, children often find ways to circumvent rules, pushing them toward unregulated, fringe online environments that are far more dangerous than mainstream platforms.
Furthermore, experts and organizations like Save the Children warn of “serious unintended consequences.” For many—particularly marginalized youth who lack offline support systems—the internet is a vital lifeline for information, community, and mental health support. A total ban could inadvertently sever these essential connections.
A Rights-Based Approach to Online Safety
On April 8, the Council of Europe adopted recommendations that offer a different path forward. While the CoE does call for increased platform accountability, it emphasizes that online safety must not come at the expense of fundamental human rights.
The Council’s stance focuses on several critical pillars:
- Freedom of Expression: The CoE maintains that even controversial or “disturbing” views are essential to a democratic society. Measures should not be so restrictive that they turn internet intermediaries into state-mandated censors.
- The “Offline” Standard: A core principle of the recommendations is that content which is lawful offline should remain lawful online.
- Targeted Age Verification: Instead of banning children from the internet entirely, the CoE suggests that age-verification tools should be used surgically. These tools should target platforms that primarily offer products, services, or content that are already legally restricted for minors offline (such as adult content or gambling).
Empowerment Over Exclusion
The Council of Europe argues that true safety comes from empowering users rather than simply blocking them. The recommendations suggest that a “protection-only” mindset is insufficient; instead, a holistic strategy is required.
1. Strengthening Digital Literacy
Rather than relying solely on technical barriers, Member States are encouraged to invest in “offline” solutions. This includes educational initiatives, media literacy programs, and community empowerment to help children navigate digital risks autonomously.
2. Platform Accountability and Transparency
The CoE advocates for evidence-based duties for platforms, including:
– Personalized design experiences that respect user maturity.
– Increased transparency regarding how content is moderated.
– Fair procedures to ensure moderation is consistent and predictable.
3. Protecting Privacy
The recommendations serve as a warning against intrusive measures—such as the mass scanning of private messages—that could undermine encrypted communication. The goal is to create a safe environment without destroying the right to privacy, which is itself a component of child safety.
“Measures to assess and address risks… should give primary consideration to the best interests of the child… [and] should uphold their rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and to private life.” — Council of Europe, Article 24
Conclusion
The Council of Europe’s recommendations signal a shift from reactive, restrictive bans toward a proactive model of digital citizenship. By focusing on targeted age assurance and user empowerment rather than blanket exclusion, policymakers can protect children without compromising the democratic values of freedom and privacy.
