EU to limit social media use for children under 15

The head of the European Union's executive body says that on Thursday she will propose a bill to member nations, restricting access to social media for children under the age of 15.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the remarks in her State of the Union address on Wednesday.

Von der Leyen stressed the need for age limits on social media. She said, "Day and night, parents see the cost: loss of sleep, anxiety, even self-harm." She added, "And in a growing number of cases even fatal tragedies."

Under the proposal, social media will be banned for children under the age of 13. Children aged 13 and 14 will only be allowed to open accounts that are supervised by their parents or guardians.

The proposal also says social media operators will be obliged to adopt safety designs for children between the ages of 15 and 18.

In her address, von der Leyen also referred to other plans. She said that one is the establishment of a security council, which would include non-members such as Britain and Ukraine, to deal with drone incursions and other threats.

As for Canada, she said the EU will develop an "associate member" partnership with the country to strengthen cooperation through the defense industry, critical minerals and other areas.