On 24 July, the European Commission sent TikTok some preliminary findings indicating that TikTok accounts held by minors do not meet the safety standards required by the Digital Services Act (DSA). On TikTok, minors can set their account to public. This means that any user, even those without a TikTok account, will be able to […]
Europeans are calling for stronger measures on online child safety, democratic resilience, defence and the energy transition
A newly published Eurobarometer survey reveals that Europeans are extremely concerned about the risks children face on social media. Given the growing reliance on these platforms, the public believes that greater protection and more robust measures are needed to combat disinformation. Furthermore, in light of global challenges, Europeans are calling for greater democratic participation, stronger […]
The EU, Ukraine and Canada will co-host a high-level meeting on the return of Ukrainian children
The EU, together with Ukraine and Canada, will co-host a high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children on 11 May in Brussels. On this occasion, the President of the European Commission, Ursulavon der Leyen,stated:“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has cost more than territory and lives: it has stolen childhoods. […]
The Commission launches an Action Plan against Cyberbullying to protect young people online
The European Commission’sAction Plan against Cyberbullyin gaims to protect the mental health of children and adolescents online in the EU. The Action Plan focuses on: implementing an EU-wide app where victims of online bullying can easily get help; coordinating national strategies to tackle harmful online behaviour; and preventing cyberbullying by promoting better and safer digital […]
Toy safety: new standards to protect children’s health
The new rules aim to reduce the number of unsafe toys sold in the EU and protect children from the associated risks. Despite having one of the strictest toy safety regulations in the world, dangerous toys still find their way into the hands of children in the EU. On Tuesday, MEPs confirmed an agreement with […]
New EU measures needed to make online services safer for minors
Enforce Digital Services Act quickly and ban harmful practices such as addictive design and gambling-like game features to protect minors, say MEPs. On Thursday, MEPs from the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee adopted a report, by 32 votes in favour, 5 against and with 9 abstentions, in which they express concerns over major online […]
Nearly one in four children in the EU (24%) faced the risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2024.
In 2024, 19.5 million children in the EU were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This figure represented 24.2% of children under the age of 18, down by 0.6 percentage points (pp) from 2023 (24.8%). At the country level, in 2024, the highest values were reported in Bulgaria (35.1%), Spain (34.6%) and Romania (33.8%). In contrast, Slovenia (11.8%), Cyprus (14.8%) […]
Protecting children from unsafe toys
The agreed draft legislation comes in response to a number of emerging challenges, such as risks relating to digital toys and the surge in online shopping. On 10 April evening, Parliament and Council negotiators reached a provisional agreement on new EU toy safety rules to enhance the protection of children’s health and development. The deal […]
Participation – YAMawards – All countries
The Young Audiences Music Awards, launched by Jeunesses Musicales International, celebrates innovative musical productions for young audiences worldwide. Entries include unique performances aimed at engaging and inspiring musical curiosity in children and youth aged 0-18. How to apply Applicants need to submit the application form and a production DVD. Finalists must supply a 2-minute promotional […]