Denmark has announced plans to prohibit social media use for children under the age of 15, a measure aimed at protecting young people’s mental health and well-being. The proposal allows parents to grant permission for children as young as 13 to access certain social apps under adult supervision.
The Danish government unveiled its proposal on Friday, following Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s earlier call for tighter controls on minors’ social media use. The major change comes amid growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms on children’s mental health. Digitalization Minister Caroline Stage Olsen emphasized the urgency of action, stating that social media is “stealing our children’s time, childhood, and well-being.”
A majority of Denmark’s political parties have already expressed support for the plan, signaling broad agreement in parliament ahead of the formal vote, meaning the plan will most likely be approved.
Official statistics show that Danish children frequently use platforms such as Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. According to a February analysis by the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority, children in Denmark spend an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes per day on social media. The report highlighted links between excessive screen time and rising levels of anxiety, sleep disturbances, and other behavioral issues.
Denmark’s planned ban follows similar measures taken by other countries. Australia introduced restrictions last year, preventing children under 16 from using social media platforms. With this legislative step, Denmark joins a growing number of nations focused on online safety and the need to regulate minors’ access to digital spaces.
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