COPENHAGEN: Denmark is taking a bold step to protect its younger generation from the adverse effects of digital platforms, announcing a plan to ban social media use for children under 15. The proposal, unveiled on Friday, aims to safeguard children’s mental health and well-being amid growing global concerns about the psychological impact of social media.
Under the new framework, parents will be allowed to grant supervised access to certain platforms for children as young as 13, provided it’s limited and regulated. The move marks one of Europe’s strongest government-led initiatives to curb excessive screen time and protect minors from online risks.
Government pushes for child well-being
The decision follows Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s earlier address to parliament, in which she emphasized the urgent need to restrict social media exposure among minors. The ban forms part of Denmark’s wider digital welfare and safety agenda, designed to tackle issues such as online bullying, screen addiction, and the commercialization of children’s data.
Digitalization Minister Caroline Stage Olsen announced the plan, calling it a long-overdue response to the harmful influence of major tech platforms.
“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,” Olsen said.
She added that Denmark must “lead by example” in protecting children’s digital health and in holding social media companies accountable for the algorithms that keep young users hooked.
Broad political backing and expected approval
The proposed legislation has received strong bipartisan support, with a majority of Danish parliament members already signaling approval ahead of its formal vote. Lawmakers cited research linking excessive social media use to anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption among teenagers.
Screen time concerns and global parallels
Government data shows that children in Denmark spend an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes daily on social media — primarily on Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. A recent analysis by the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority highlighted that such extended screen exposure correlates with behavioral issues, low self-esteem, and poor academic focus.
Denmark’s approach mirrors similar legislative moves across the world. Australia introduced a comparable ban last year, restricting social media access for children under 16. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the United States, France, and Canada have also begun debating age-based digital regulations.
If approved, Denmark’s ban will position it among the first European nations to enact sweeping social media restrictions for children — a step experts say could set a precedent for broader EU-wide reforms.
“By legislating early, Denmark is sending a strong signal that children’s mental health must take priority over profit-driven algorithms,” said Dr. Anne Møller, a child psychologist based in Aarhus.
The proposed law is expected to pass later this year, with phased implementation beginning in mid-2026.
