Finance
Portugal approves restrictions on social media access for children
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 12, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 12, 2026
Quick Summary
Portugal's new law mandates parental consent for minors' social media access, aiming to shield them from cyberbullying and harmful content.
Portugal's Parliament Enacts New Social Media Rules for Minors
New Legislation on Social Media Access for Minors
LISBON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Portugal's parliament on Thursday approved a bill, on its first reading, requiring explicit parental consent for children aged 13 to 16 to access social media, in one of the first concrete legislative moves in Europe to impose such restrictions.
Purpose of the Legislation
Authors of the draft legislation from the ruling Social Democratic Party argue it is needed to protect children from cyberbullying, harmful content and predatory individuals.
Implementation of Digital Mobile Key
A system known as Digital Mobile Key will be used by parents to give consent, also helping to enforce the existing ban for children under the age of 13 to access digital social media, video- and image-sharing platforms, or online betting sites.
Comparative International Legislation
The bill can still be modified before the final vote.
France's lower house last month backed legislation to ban children under 15 from social media amid growing concerns about online bullying and mental health risks. Australia's world-first ban for under-16s on social media platforms including Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube came into force in December.
(Reporting by Sergio Goncalves, editing by Andrei Khalip)
Key Takeaways
- •Portugal requires parental consent for minors on social media.
- •The law targets children aged 13 to 16.
- •Digital Mobile Key will enforce the new rules.
- •The legislation aims to protect against cyberbullying.
- •Similar laws are emerging in France and Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal approves restrictions on social media access for children
1What is parental consent?
Parental consent is the permission given by a parent or guardian for a child to engage in certain activities, such as accessing social media platforms.
2What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is the use of digital platforms to harass, threaten, or intimidate individuals, particularly minors, often leading to emotional distress.
3What is social media?
Social media refers to online platforms that enable users to create, share, and interact with content and connect with others.
4What is youth protection legislation?
Youth protection legislation encompasses laws designed to safeguard minors from harmful content and activities, particularly in digital environments.
