Portugal’s parliament has approved, in its first reading, a bill requiring explicit parental consent for children aged 13 to 16 to access social media platforms, marking one of the country’s most significant legislative steps aimed at regulating minors’ online activity.
The draft law, introduced members of the ruling Social Democratic Party, seeks to strengthen safeguards for young users amid growing concerns about cyberbullying, harmful online content and contact with predatory individuals. Lawmakers supporting the measure argue that clearer rules and parental oversight are necessary to address risks associated with digital platforms that are widely used teenagers.
Under the proposal, parents would use Portugal’s Digital Mobile Key system to provide verified consent for their children to create and maintain social media accounts. The system is designed to confirm identity securely and would also reinforce the existing prohibition on access to such platforms for children under the age of 13. The restrictions would apply to digital social media networks as well as video and image sharing platforms and online betting sites.
Although the bill has passed its initial parliamentary stage, it may still be amended before a final vote. Debate is expected to continue over technical implementation, enforcement mechanisms and the responsibilities placed on technology companies operating in Portugal.
Supporters of the legislation say it reflects mounting evidence linking excessive social media use to mental health challenges among adolescents. Policymakers have cited concerns over online harassment, exposure to inappropriate material and the psychological effects of constant connectivity. formalizing parental consent requirements, they argue, families will gain greater control over how and when children engage with digital services.
Portugal’s move comes amid a broader European and international push to regulate social media access for minors. France’s lower house recently backed legislation to ban children under 15 from social media platforms. In Australia, a nationwide ban on social media use for under 16s came into force in December, applying to major platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube.
Technology firms are likely to face increased compliance obligations if the Portuguese bill becomes law. Companies may be required to integrate identity verification tools and adapt user registration processes to align with national regulations. Industry observers note that enforcement will depend heavily on cooperation between government authorities, platform operators and families.
The proposal also raises questions about digital privacy and data protection, particularly regarding how minors’ information is processed within identity verification systems. Lawmakers have indicated that safeguards will need to comply with European Union data protection standards.
If adopted in its final form, the legislation would place Portugal among the early adopters in Europe of formal parental consent requirements for teenagers’ access to social media, signaling a shift toward tighter oversight of digital environments frequented young users.
