Lithuania urges wait for EU position on social media ban for under-16s

VILNIUS - Lithuania's Culture Ministry has urged lawmakers to wait for a unified European Union position as parliament considers a proposal to ban social media use by minors under 16.

"A legislative initiative is currently being prepared at the EU level to establish a uniform age limit for social media users. Therefore, changing national legal regulations before a specific EU legal proposal is presented would be a suboptimal measure," the ministry stated in a report this week.

The European Union is weighing a potential social media ban following calls from member states, including Greece and France, to restrict access. Pressure is mounting for a bloc-wide ban similar to that in Australia, which requires platforms to remove accounts of children under 16.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has previously suggested that children should have "phased and gradual access" to social media, following expert recommendations that children under 13 should only use internet platforms under supervision.

In early April, the Seimas gave initial approval to a proposal by opposition lawmaker Daiva Ulbinaite to legalise a "digital age of majority." The bill would oblige social media providers to prevent individuals under 16 from becoming independent users.

Under the proposed changes, platforms would be required to ensure that minors under 16 cannot register or use services without legal grounds. Networks failing to comply would face fines.

The Ministry of Culture, which drafted the evaluation of the project, argues that changes should not be initiated now to avoid regulatory inconsistencies between Lithuania and European Union law.

Opinions on the proposed restriction remain divided in Lithuania. Social Security and Labour Minister Inga Ruginiene argued that the most effective tool against addiction is youth engagement rather than bans. Speaker of the Seimas Juozas Olekas expressed scepticism, though he did not rule out potential restrictions. Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas supported some level of restriction for those under 16, while Education, Science and Sport Minister Raminta Popoviene urged public consultation before proceeding.

A Baltijos Tyrimai poll commissioned by public broadcaster LRT in March showed that 75 percent of Lithuanians support restrictions for minors under 15, though nearly half, or 40 percent, of pupils and students oppose such a ban.