EU Bans Social Media for Kids Under 13

The European Union just changed the rules for keeping kids safe online. This week, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to ban social media for anyone under 13, with strict limits for teens aged 13 to 15.

Unlike previous attempts in other countries, this ban has teeth. App stores, not the platforms themselves, will verify ages using an EU verification system. Teens aged 13 to 15 can only access platforms for one hour daily through mini accounts linked to a parent's profile.

"The days of tech exceptionalism and their systematic exploitation of children for profit are numbered," said Leanda Barrington-Leach from campaign group 5Rights. Patrick Grady, a tech policy expert, believes the EU will succeed where Australia's efforts fell short because their system makes it much harder for kids to find workarounds.

The Ripple Effect

The EU's move could inspire similar protections worldwide. With over 450 million people in the EU, tech companies will need to build new systems that other countries can adopt, potentially reshaping how social media works for young people everywhere.

Meanwhile, England approved Enhertu, a life-extending breast cancer drug that can give patients with incurable disease up to three extra years with their families. The decision reversed a 2024 rejection and came after two years of campaigning by patients and charities.

Chile became the first South American country to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem. The achievement follows more than 50 years of vaccination efforts, surveillance, and ensuring people can access treatment after dog bites.

A new $15.5 million fund launched this week to help end female genital mutilation worldwide. The Her Horizon Fund will support frontline organizations working to protect the 4.4 million girls at risk each year, bringing fresh resources after years of declining donor support.

Iceland announced it will review its whaling laws next February, potentially ending commercial whale hunting permanently. Only Iceland, Japan, Norway, and the Faroe Islands still allow the practice despite a global ban since 1986.

These wins show what's possible when governments, advocates, and communities refuse to accept harm as inevitable.