A growing number of European countries want to restrict social media access by teens, citing safety and mental health concerns. It's part of a widening backlash against technology that critics say is designed to be addictive. The main targets are TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, Facebook, X, Twitch and YouTube.

Amid worries about online bullying, predators, sexual images, obsessive use and AI-generated content, regulators worldwide are looking at the impact of children's screen time on their development and well-being. Spain and Greece this month proposed bans on teen social media use. Britain and France also move toward tighter age rules. "As of Sept. 1, our children and adolescents [under 15] will finally be protected," predicts French President Emmanuel Macron, who needs final approval in Parliament. In Madrid, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says his government will ask Spain's Parliament to pass a law holding social media executives personally responsible for hate speech on their sites. "This is a battle that far exceeds the boundaries of any country," Sanchez adds.

Denmark's parliament agreed on restrictions for under-15s, though parents can let them go on social media if they are older than 13. Austria ban is drafting a ban for under-14s.Britain is discussing a block for under-16s. At the forefront is Australia, which two months ago banned users younger than 16 from having accounts at a range of social platforms. Media companies deactivated nearly 5 million accounts there.

Amid all this, the issue of whether social media use endangers adolescents is complex and draws heated debate. Social media companies say bans are ineffective, difficult to put in place and could isolate vulnerable teenagers. Questions also arise about the effectiveness of age verification technology, enforcement and the impact of young users switching to unregulated messaging services such as WhatsApp.

Parent says: "It almost feels like a bit of weight off our shoulders. We can now turn around and say, 'Hey, it's not our choice.'" – Joel Pritchard of Melbourne, Australia, who has a 15-year-old daughter.

Student says: "It's good to encourage children to play with each other and not be on their mobile phones in parks, which I think is terrible." -- Miguel Abad, 19, of Madrid (Spanish capital)

Prime minister says: "Our children are exposed to a space they were never meant to navigate alone . . . We will no longer accept that. We will protect them from the digital Wild West." – Pedro Sanchez of Spain