Denmark has announced a ban on social media access for children under the age of 15. The government says this step is necessary to protect young users’ mental health, privacy, and well-being. Officials believe that platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat expose children to harmful content, commercial manipulation, and targeted advertising.
The plan comes after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen raised concerns about the growing mental health issues among young people caused by social media. In her speech to parliament last month, she called for new restrictions to make online spaces safer for children.
A majority of parties in the Danish parliament have already said they support the proposal, which means it is likely to become law soon. If it passes, Denmark will become one of the first countries in the world to legally restrict access to social media by age.
The Danish Ministry of Digitalization explained that this is about creating a healthier digital environment for young people. “As one of the first countries in the EU, Denmark is now taking a step towards introducing age limits on social media,” the ministry said in a statement. “This is done to protect children and young people in the digital world.”
Officials said that social media platforms have failed to protect minors, even after repeated warnings. They claim that young people are spending too much time online, losing sleep, struggling to concentrate, and facing pressure from digital relationships that often lack adult supervision.
“Children and young people have their sleep disrupted, lose their peace and concentration, and experience increasing pressure from digital relationships where adults are not always present,” the ministry stated. “This is a development that no parent, teacher, or educator can stop alone.”
According to the proposal, children under 15 will not be allowed to have social media accounts. However, there will be exceptions for children aged 13 and 14 if their parents believe they are ready to use social media responsibly. Parents can give consent after an official assessment process to check the child’s maturity and readiness.
The government also plans to introduce strict age-verification systems. Social media platforms will be responsible for ensuring that users meet the required age limit. If companies fail to follow the law, they could face heavy fines.
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The Ministry of Digitalisation did not yet specify which platforms the ban will include. Officials also did not explain how they will enforce the rules. However, they said they are working closely with the EU’s Digital Services Act to ensure smooth implementation.
As part of the plan, the Danish government will invest 160 million Danish kroner. This equals about €21.4 million or $24.8 million. The funds will support 14 different projects aimed at protecting children online. These projects will focus on improving digital education, promoting healthy screen habits, and reducing harmful content exposure.
The ministry said the government will support the creation of alternative, safer platforms for children. It also plans to fight illegal influencer marketing and strengthen the supervision of tech companies across the EU.
A group of Danish lawmakers said in a joint statement, “We are making it clear that children should not remain alone in a digital world. In that space, harmful content and commercial interests shape their everyday lives and childhoods.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Australia’s common-sense decision to introduce age limits inspired her. She believes Europe should follow the same path.
Digitalization Minister Caroline Stage said Denmark is proud to lead this effort in Europe. “Denmark is now leading the way in Europe with a national age limit for social media,” she said. She added, “We are taking a necessary stand against a development where large tech platforms have had free rein in children’s rooms for far too long.”
Parents, teachers, and mental health experts in Denmark have welcomed the proposal. They call it a “much-needed step” in ensuring that childhood remains a time for learning, growth, and real-life connections. They want this instead of endless scrolling on screens.
