Spain Debates Social Media Ban for Minors Under 16: Protection or Overreach?

• Spain is debating an age restriction for social media access for minors under 16, a complex issue requiring an evidence-based approach.
• EU GDPR allows legal consent for data processing between 13-16; Spain set it at 14, but age verification has been largely ignored by platforms.
• Reports from EU Kids Online and UNICEF highlight increased internet risks, addictive use, and exposure to harmful content for minors.
• Social media business models exploit reward mechanisms, endless scrolling, and personalization algorithms to maximize engagement and monetize privacy, often promoting harmful content.
• A holistic approach is needed, including effective legislation, public policies, increased accountability for platforms, and regulation of schools, while also giving a voice to children and adolescents.