Denmark to ban social media for under-15s

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — In a bold move to protect the mental and social well-being of its youth, Denmark has announced plans to implement a social media ban for children under the age of 15. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen unveiled the initiative during her parliamentary address at the opening of the autumn session, though specifics regarding the platforms affected and enforcement mechanisms remain unclear. The proposed legislation would grant parents the authority to permit their children to use social media starting at age 13. Frederiksen emphasized the detrimental impact of digital platforms, stating, ‘The cell phone and social media are robbing our children of their childhood,’ and cited a concerning statistic: 60% of Danish boys aged 11 to 19 prefer staying home over socializing with friends. This move aligns Denmark with global efforts to mitigate online harm to young people. Australia, for instance, has already enacted a ban on social media for users under 16, effective late 2024, though enforcement details are still pending. Similarly, Greece recently proposed establishing an ‘age of digital adulthood’ across the European Union, requiring parental consent for minors to access social media. Denmark’s initiative underscores a growing international recognition of the need to regulate children’s digital engagement to foster healthier developmental environments.