Denmark has announced plans to introduce a social media ban for children under the age of 15, citing concerns that digital platforms are “robbing our children of their childhood.” Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced the initiative in a speech to parliament, although specific details on the timeline and enforcement remain pending.
Details of the Proposed Restriction
The move is aimed at curbing the negative impacts of social media use on young people, with Frederiksen noting that 60% of Danish boys aged 11 to 19 prefer staying home to spending time with friends.
Key points of the proposed bill include:
- Age Restriction: A ban on social media use for children under 15 years old.
- Parental Exception: The bill would allow parents to authorize their child to use social media starting from the age of 13.
- Missing Details: Frederiksen did not specify which social media networks would be banned or how the ban would be implemented in practice.
Part of a Growing Global Trend
Denmark is joining other nations, particularly in the European Union and Australia, that are seeking stricter controls on digital platforms for minors:
- Australia adopted a social media ban for users under 16 in late 2024, with platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube falling under the remit. However, enforcement details are yet to be specified.
- In June, Greece proposed establishing an “age of digital adulthood” across the entire 27-country European Union, which would require children to have parental consent before accessing social media.