Portugal has joined the growing list of European nations tightening children’s access to digital platforms. The country’s parliament approved a bill requiring explicit parental consent for minors to use social media, following similar moves by Australia and France.
The Portuguese social media parental consent law targets children aged 13 to 16. Parents must authorise their children’s access to social media, video-sharing platforms, image-sharing sites, and online betting platforms. The existing ban for children under 13 remains in place.
Lawmakers approved the bill in its first reading with 148 votes in favour, 69 against, and 13 abstentions. The legislation can still undergo modifications before the final vote.
Why Portugal Is Restricting Social Media Access
Social Democratic Party (PSD) officials who authored the draft argue that a law is necessary to shield children from online dangers. These include cyberbullying, harmful content, and predatory individuals.
The bill also highlights a broader concern. Over the past two decades, social media has assumed roles traditionally held by families and schools, but without regulation. Lawmakers believe this has affected children’s cognitive and emotional development, particularly through early or excessive exposure.
Portugal approves restrictions on social media access for children https://t.co/3IAOYXoCYM https://t.co/3IAOYXoCYM
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 12, 2026PSD lawmaker Paulo Marcelo addressed parliament before the vote. “We have to protect our children,” he stated. “We don’t intend to prohibit for the sake of prohibiting, we intend to create a norm to give more power to parents and families, to accompany and control.”
Read: UK Considers Social Media Ban for Children, Tougher Online Safety Rules
The Portuguese social media parental consent law aligns with growing global concerns about online bullying and mental health risks associated with children’s excessive platform use.
How the Law Will Work
The bill introduces a practical enforcement mechanism. Parents will use a public system known as the Digital Mobile Key (DMK) to provide consent. This system will help enforce age restrictions across digital platforms.
Tech providers must implement an age verification system compatible with the DMK. This requirement places responsibility on companies to ensure compliance with Portuguese regulations. According to official information from the Portuguese Digital Mobile Key, the system is already used for secure government services and identity verification.
Read: France Backs Social Media Ban for Children Under 15
The bill specifically mentions that “multinational digital platforms” have contributed to children’s developmental challenges. Lawmakers aim to give families more control over their children’s online experiences rather than imposing blanket prohibitions.
The Portuguese social media parental consent law still requires final approval. However, its passage in the first reading signals strong parliamentary support for child online protection measures.
The legislation reflects a broader European trend. France has recently implemented restrictions on children’s access to social media, while Australia has pursued aggressive age-based limits. Portugal’s approach combines existing age bans with enhanced parental control mechanisms.
The bill’s emphasis on giving “more power to parents and families” resonates with advocates who argue that technology companies have too long escaped accountability for children’s well-being online.
