The European Union Decides to Ban Social Media for Children Under 13

She added "This means that in the age group between 13 and 15 years, only the use of mini-accounts created and supervised by parents or guardians, with limited features and time restrictions of one hour per day, will be allowed".

She continued "As for the age group between 15 and 18 years, safe design will be a mandatory obligation for platforms".

The growing global discontent with social media has increased pressure on decision-makers, amid mounting evidence pointing to the negative effects of these platforms on the physical and mental health of children.

Australia last year became the first country to ban the use of social media for those under the age of 16, leading to a wave of similar moves elsewhere.

In this context, von der Leyen confirmed before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, that the 27-member European bloc will adopt a "gradual" approach.

She said "Each age group has its own sensitivities, and therefore each will have a specially designed level of protection".

Platforms that violate the rules will face fines of up to 6% of their annual revenue, according to the draft legislation.

Von der Leyen said, "Europe has the ability to act. We are the ones who set our rules, not the big tech companies".

She warned, "We don't have to accept addictive features" emphasizing that "Platforms will have to prove they are safe".

She added that "It's not about minors' access to social media, but about when and how we allow social media to access minors".

She pointed out that the "risks" are not limited to children only, explaining that "Addictive design, for example, harms everyone".

She assured European lawmakers that Europe needs more rules that will be proposed during the fall.

For the proposal to become law, negotiations on the final text must take place between the EU capitals and the European Parliament, a process that may take months.