More than 130 organizations and experts have urged the European Union to adopt stricter regulations for social networks, rather than outright banning access for children and adolescents. They made this call in a letter addressed to Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, which was reported by AFP. Von der Leyen is expected to announce significant measures to improve the online safety of minors during a key speech before the European Parliament on September 16. These measures could potentially include a ban on social media for users under a certain age. In July, von der Leyen expressed support for a "progressive and gradual" introduction of online platforms for minors, promising to reveal more details after the summer. However, the signatories of the letter, which include groups such as 5Rights, e-Enfance, Amnesty International, and Mental Health Europe, have raised concerns about implementing a ban. They argue that such a move could shift the responsibility of ensuring online safety onto parents or children themselves, leaving the platforms less accountable. Instead, the signatories advocate for age-related restrictions that are fair and balanced, paired with strong safety measures. Their goal is to create an online environment that not only protects children but also supports their development. According to Leanda Barrington-Leach, director of the 5Rights foundation, "Europeans have had enough of tech companies exploiting our children, but we expect our leaders to do better than a hasty ban." She emphasized that children deserve access to safe and age-appropriate online services, and that these services are essential for them.