Danish Government Advocates Ban on Social Media Use for Children Under 15
The Danish government has proposed implementing a ban on social media usage for children younger than 15 years old, citing concerns over the impact of digital platforms and smartphones on youth well-being and development. The announcement was made in the national parliament, with authorities stressing the need to shield children from the potential negative effects associated with early exposure to social networks.
The proposed measure reflects growing international concern about the influence of digital technology on children and adolescents. While current regulations typically set the minimum age for social media account creation at 13, Danish officials highlighted that a significant majority of children are engaging with these platforms before reaching the legal age. A recent study indicated that more than 90 percent of students in the country's seventh grade--usually aged 13 or 14--already own smartphones and are active on at least one social media platform prior to their 13th birthday.
Government representatives pointed to a variety of challenges linked to early and frequent social media use, including increased reports of anxiety, depression, and difficulty with concentration among young people. Authorities also noted a decline in face-to-face social interactions, particularly among boys between the ages of 11 and 19, many of whom reportedly do not meet friends in person during a typical week.
Denmark's proposal follows similar legislative efforts abroad. For instance, Australia recently passed a law restricting social media access for individuals under the age of 16, which is set to be enforced this year. The Danish government's recommended minimum age is slightly lower, but the underlying rationale aligns with international movements calling for stricter oversight of children's digital lives to safeguard their mental health and developmental outcomes.
Digital policy makers in Denmark have expressed regret over the lack of early intervention in regulating online platforms, stating that children's digital engagement has often been shaped by algorithms and platform features designed without prioritizing young users' well-being. The government is now calling for the development of more robust systems to ensure that only age-appropriate content and interactions are accessible to minors.
One of the central issues in the debate is the effectiveness of age verification measures. The European Parliament is currently discussing the possibility of introducing standardized and tamper-resistant age verification systems for online platforms to better protect minors. While there is support for such measures, they also face resistance due to privacy concerns and technical challenges. As a result, no definitive agreement has yet been reached on a unified approach to age verification within the European Union.
In Denmark, the social media ban for children under 15 remains at the proposal stage. The government has yet to present a formal legislative draft specifying which platforms would be affected, how the ban would be enforced, and when it might take effect. There are also discussions about allowing parents to provide consent for children aged 13 and above to access social networks, aligning with existing age thresholds on many platforms.
The legislative process could face delays, particularly if debate extends into the next calendar year, potentially overlapping with Denmark's upcoming parliamentary elections. Lawmakers are expected to address the complexities of digital age verification, parental consent, and the roles of technology providers in enforcing the proposed regulations.
As policymakers continue to deliberate, the Danish government's initiative underscores ongoing global efforts to adapt laws and safeguard the mental and social well-being of children in an increasingly digital world. The outcome of these discussions could set important precedents for child protection policies in Europe and beyond.