Andorra Bans Under-16s from Risky Social Media, Imposes Screen Time Limits

The Andorran government has approved a bill amending the Qualified Law on the Rights of Children and Adolescents, banning under-16s from social networks deemed risky to their development or mental health and introducing mandatory screen time limits by age group.

The Council of Ministers gave the green light to the project on Tuesday, with Interior Minister Marc Rossell—responsible for Public Function and Digital Transformation—detailing it at a Wednesday press conference. The measure now heads to parliament alongside an advanced draft regulation specifying prohibited platforms and daily mobile device usage guidelines for age bands: 0-3 years, 3-6 years, 6-12 years, and 12-16 years. Telecom providers, including Andorra Telecom, will configure SIM cards for under-16s with default filters blocking violent or pornographic content in searches and browsing.

Rossell called the reforms "necessary and bold," positioning Andorra to lead in digital child protection. He compared digital risks for youth—cyberbullying, social isolation, addiction, and privacy breaches—to those of alcohol or tobacco, urging adults to supervise devices as they once did television. The bill mandates robust age verification to block minors from evading controls with false information, while non-prohibited networks will require parental consent. The banned list will emerge from consultations with local experts, informed by UNICEF and UN studies, with regular updates for new platforms.

Rossell noted technology's limitations, as some teens might bypass filters, and stressed complementary efforts: education, parental controls, and youth awareness campaigns. He pointed out many platforms already limit under-13s via manual checks, with automation forthcoming, and highlighted training for families and schools through Andorra Digital. Mobile shops must inform buyers about digital risks and age-based recommendations. Forthcoming Criminal Code changes will address violations, though specifics await finalization.

Health experts endorse the push. Joan Soler, SAAS head of Mental Health and Addictions, advocated a "bold approach" with limits or bans, citing studies on screens' damage to brain development, concentration, attention, and dopamine responses from short videos on TikTok or Instagram. He called for rethinking parenting to prioritize education and psychological growth over digital interactions. Dr. Maria Giró echoed this at a recent Sant Julià conference.

The legislation transforms parental oversight into legal duties while upholding minors' technology rights, including digital literacy in school curricula.