Digital Services Act: Commission publishes report on European and national focus groups with young people on the protection of minors guidelines

The guidelines provide a non-exhaustive list of recommendations for online platform providers to help them mitigate risks on their service and ensure a high level of privacy, safety and security for children and young people in accordance with Article 28 of the DSA.

To learn how minors view the importance and effectiveness of potential measures to be included in the guidelines, the European Schoolnet (EUN) – on behalf of the Commission, with support of the European network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs) – organised several focus groups, both at European and at national level, consulting over 150 young people from across the European Union.

Building upon the common protocol, EUN and the SICs each organised the youth focus group in an autonomous and independent manner, building on their existing expertise and experience, tailored to the specific setting in which the focus group took place, and the specific capabilities and needs of the young people involved.  They were asked to identify gaps, areas for improvement, and any unintended negative consequences. Their feedback was included in the guidelines that were adopted on 14 July 2025. It included suggestions in the areas of reporting, time management tools and mental health concerns. This process showed, once again, that young people want to be included more in processes that affect them.