Pedro Sanchez has doubled down on plans to restrict children’s access to social media, backing a Europe-wide minimum age as governments scramble to respond to growing concerns over online harm.
The Spanish Prime Minister joined European leaders this week to discuss setting a common digital age limit across the EU, a move Madrid is actively championing alongside France and a coalition of other countries.
The issue has become a central pillar of Sanchez’s domestic agenda, with his government already advancing a Law for the Protection of Minors in the Digital Environment, which still needs parliamentary approval.
In a strongly worded article published in the Financial Times, Sanchez framed the debate as a historic turning point, drawing comparisons with child labour in the early 20th century.
He referenced a famous 1910 photograph of a young girl working long hours in a US factory, arguing that society once justified exploitation using arguments that now seem indefensible.
‘The same flawed arguments are reappearing today,’ he warned.
‘This must end now’
Sanchez argued that social media platforms pose a documented risk to children’s mental health, citing studies suggesting that nearly two in five teenagers spend excessive time online.
‘Each additional hour increases the risk of depression by 13%,’ he wrote.
He also highlighted exposure to harmful content, including unsolicited sexual material, and pointed to evidence that tech companies were aware of the risks.
‘Innumerable internal reports show not only knowledge of the harm, but a degree of complicity,’ he claimed.
Targeting Big Tech
The Spanish government is proposing a ban on social media use for under-16s, alongside stricter controls on platform algorithms – particularly those that promote addictive or harmful content.
Sanchez said companies like X, Instagram and TikTok must be forced to remove features that fuel anxiety, hate and compulsive use.
And he made clear that enforcement would be key.
‘Those who do not comply must be held accountable before the law,’ he said.
Europe moving in same direction
Sanchez pointed to growing support across Europe, claiming more than 70% of adults in major EU countries and the UK back restrictions on children’s access to social media.
A coordinated EU initiative is now being pushed by Spain, France and at least a dozen other countries.
‘Tech billionaires are not above the law’
Despite acknowledging the complexity of enforcing such a ban, Sanchez insisted governments can no longer delay action.
“The health, safety and dignity of our children are at stake,” he said.
He also took direct aim at Silicon Valley’s most powerful figures.
‘No matter how rich or powerful they are, they are not in control. Democracies are.’
