Denmark has announced plans to ban social media use for children under 15, a move aimed at protecting the mental health and well-being of the nation’s youth.
Parents, however, will be allowed to give permission for children as young as 13 to access certain platforms under supervision.
Govt pushes to protect children’s well-being
The Danish government unveiled the plan on Friday following Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s earlier call in parliament to restrict social media access for minors. The proposal comes as part of a broader effort to address rising concerns about children’s exposure to digital platforms and their effects on mental health.
Digitalization Minister Caroline Stage Olsen said the government could no longer ignore the growing problem.
“The so-called social media thrive on stealing our children’s time, childhood, and well-being — and we are putting a stop to that now,” she declared.
A majority of political parties in Denmark’s parliament have already expressed support for the plan ahead of its formal vote, signaling broad political consensus on the issue.
Popular platforms and screen time statistics
According to the Danish government, the platforms most used by children in the country include Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
An analysis by the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority from February revealed that children in Denmark spend an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes daily on social media. The findings added weight to growing worries about excessive screen time and its link to anxiety, sleep disruption, and other behavioral issues.
Denmark’s move mirrors similar efforts worldwide. Australia, for instance, imposed a ban last year restricting children under 16 from using social media platforms.
By taking legislative action, Denmark joins a growing list of nations prioritizing online safety reforms, marking a turning point in the debate over how much access minors should have to digital spaces.
