COPENHAGEN: Denmark announced plans to ban social media use for children under 15 to protect their mental health. Parents can allow supervised access for children aged 13 and 14. The move follows growing concerns about children’s screen time and digital exposure. Officials said the law aims to safeguard childhood and well-being.
The government unveiled the proposal on Friday after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called for stricter access rules in parliament. Digitalization Minister Caroline Stage Olsen emphasized that social media platforms exploit children’s time and attention. She said the government could no longer ignore the problem. A majority of political parties in parliament have already expressed support for the plan.
The Danish government highlighted that popular platforms among children include Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. A February analysis by the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority revealed children spend an average of 2 hours 40 minutes daily on social media. Experts linked excessive screen time to anxiety, sleep disruption, and other behavioral issues.
Denmark’s plan mirrors similar global initiatives. Last year, Australia banned social media access for children under 16. Governments worldwide are increasingly prioritizing online safety for minors. These efforts reflect growing concern about the long-term effects of early digital exposure.
Lawmakers said the legislation represents a turning point in the debate over minors’ digital access. Officials stressed that protecting children’s mental health is now a national priority. The proposal could set a precedent for other countries considering similar restrictions. Denmark joins a growing list of nations focused on online safety reforms.
