Andorra Approves Bill Banning Under-16s from Harmful Social Media

The Andorran government has approved a draft bill to amend the Qualified Law on the Rights of Children and Adolescents, introducing strict digital safeguards for minors under 16, including bans on access to harmful social media platforms and mandatory screen time limits by age group.

The Council of Ministers gave its approval on Tuesday, with Interior Minister Marc Rossell—responsible for Public Function and Digital Transformation—presenting the measures on Wednesday. The bill now heads to parliament, accompanied by an advanced draft regulation that will specify prohibited social networks—those deemed risky to development or mental health—and set enforceable daily mobile device usage guidelines for age bands: 0-3 years, 3-6 years, 6-12 years, and 12-16 years.

Telecom providers like Andorra Telecom will be required to activate default filters on SIM cards for under-16s, blocking violent or pornographic content in searches and browsing. Rossell noted this setup promotes safer habits, ensuring such material does not appear in results.

A key feature is a stringent age verification system to curb access to restricted digital content, social networks, or app downloads, closing loopholes like false age entries. Non-prohibited platforms will need parental consent for minors. The government plans to draw on local experts alongside international research from UNICEF and the United Nations to compile the final prohibited list, while equating digital misuse risks to those of alcohol or tobacco for children.

Rossell called the reforms "necessary and bold," transforming parental duties into legal requirements and affirming children's technology rights. He pointed to threats including cyberbullying, social isolation, digital addiction, and privacy lapses, adding that adults must oversee device use much like they did with television in the past.

Health experts have voiced strong support. Joan Soler, head of Mental Health and Addictions at SAAS, urged a "bold approach" to limits or outright bans, citing studies showing screens harm brain development, concentration, and dopamine regulation via short videos on platforms like TikTok or Instagram. He stressed protecting education and psychological growth, questioning over-reliance on digital interactions for relationships. Recently, Dr. Maria Giró echoed this in a Sant Julià conference, based on similar evidence.

The measures aim to position Andorra at the forefront of online child protection, with precise prohibitions and limits to follow in the regulation.