79% of Maltese back EU curbs on children's social media access
Survey finds overwhelming concern about cyberbullying, grooming and other online risks
As many as 79 per cent of Maltese support European Union action to restrict children's access to social media, according to a new Eurobarometer survey.
The findings come a day after the EU proposed a "phased and gradual approach" to children's use of social media, suggesting those under the age of 13 would only be allowed to access online platforms under adult supervision.
The survey found that 32 per cent of Maltese respondents favour an outright ban on children's use of social media, while a further 47 per cent support EU rules requiring platforms to delay access to social media considered unsafe until children reach a certain age.
Respondents also expressed overwhelming concern about the risks children face online.
Cyberbullying and harassment ranked as the biggest concern, with 95 per cent of Maltese respondents saying they were very or somewhat worried about the issue.
Other major concerns included recruitment into illegal activities (91 per cent), online grooming and sexual exploitation (90 per cent), addictive platform design (90 per cent) and data privacy (89 per cent).
Across the European Union, cyberbullying and harassment was also the leading concern, cited by 71 per cent of respondents, followed by online grooming and sexual exploitation at 70 per cent.
In her 2025 State of the Union address, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen established a panel of experts to develop recommendations on protecting children online. The panel presented its final report this month, outlining measures to better safeguard children and promote age-appropriate use of social media and other digital services.
Among its recommendations, the panel said children under the age of two should avoid screens altogether, while those aged between three and 12 should not use internet-connected devices without adult supervision. Teenagers aged 13 to 18 should only have access to age-appropriate platforms that are "safe by default".
The experts also proposed harmonised EU-wide restrictions on access to social media and certain digital services for children under the age of 13.
In Malta, Prime Minister Robert Abela said last year that the government was considering legal restrictions on social media access for children under 13.