Could the EU Kids Act actually work to protect children on social media? Plans have been outlined today to restrict social media usage for under-15s across the European Union. Dr Louise Heeran Flynn, Assistant Professor in Teacher Education at Trinity College Dublin gives us her expert view on whether the new measures will work. Earlier this year, Dr Heeran Flynn was appointed to a high-level European Commission panel advising President Ursula von der Leyen on child safety online and potential age limits for social media. This has led to the proposed legislation called the EU Kids Act. The proposal was outlined by President von der Leyen at a Brussels briefing today, Thursday, 17th September 2026. Leaked information in advance of the briefing suggested these measures would include a “block” or “delay” on children and teenagers’ access to social media platforms, rather than an outright ban. They will also mean a shift in the burden of proof away from regulators, so that techn...