The Lithuanian Parliament is currently discussing a new proposal led by right-wing member Daiva Ulbinaitė that aims to impose a legal age restriction on social media usage for minors. The proposal would mandate social media companies to implement reliable age verification methods to prevent users under 16 from registering independently. Additionally, administrative penalties would be imposed for non-compliance, and the telecommunications regulatory authority would oversee the enforcement of these requirements.

Ulbinaitė highlighted that a staggering 97% of minors use the internet daily, with around half of 13-17-year-olds constantly checking their phones. She raised concerns over the problematic use of social media among schoolchildren in Lithuania, noting that nearly half of them experience issues related to social media engagement and about one in four show signs of digital addiction. This situation is particularly alarming considering the dangerous online challenges present on platforms like TikTok, which have, in some instances, led to self-harm among youth.

The proposed legislation reflects broader concerns about the impact of social media on young people's mental health and safety. As children increasingly engage with social media, lawmakers are taking steps to establish protective measures. If enacted, this law could set a precedent for other nations to follow in regulating minors' access to social media platforms, highlighting a growing recognition of the need for responsible digital environments for younger users.