Denmark to introduce strict limitations on social media usage for young people.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark – In a significant move towards regulating youth access to social media, the Danish government is advancing plans to enforce strict restrictions on social media for individuals under the age of 15. This policy follows Australia’s recent implementation of the world’s first social media ban for children under 16, positioning Denmark as a potential leader in addressing digital safety for minors within the European Union.
Last month, the Danish government announced a parliamentary agreement involving three governing coalition parties and two opposition groups to pursue the social media ban. The proposed legislation aims to be enacted by mid-2026, following a comprehensive consultation and legislative process. While the ban is set to apply to those under 15, reports suggest that parents may have the discretion to grant access to children as young as 13.
Currently, many popular social media platforms prohibit users younger than 13 from creating accounts. Moreover, a European Union directive mandates that technology companies implement measures to shield young users from potential online dangers and inappropriate content. Nonetheless, Danish officials have noted that approximately 98% of children under 13 in Denmark possess profiles on various social media platforms, with nearly half of those under 10 engaging in similar online activities.
Caroline Stage, Denmark’s Minister for Digital Affairs, who introduced the proposed ban, emphasized the need for regulation akin to physical age checks in nightclubs, stating that the digital landscape lacks sufficient barriers to keep minors safe from harmful content. The government intends to facilitate enforcement through a forthcoming “digital evidence” application, designed to validate users’ ages and ensure compliance with the established age limits.
Reactions to the proposed ban have been mixed. Students have voiced concerns about losing touch with their online communities should similar restrictions be applied in Denmark. For instance, 15-year-old Ronja Zander expressed apprehension about isolating from friends she connects with exclusively online. Meanwhile, some parents, like Line Pedersen from Nykøbing, advocate for the ban, acknowledging that unrestricted access to social media may not be in children’s best interests.
Critics, including experts in child rights, caution that such restrictions might infringe on the democratic rights of children and are not guaranteed to be effective. Anne Mette Thorhauge, an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen, articulated the significance of social media as a means of societal engagement for today’s youth.
Denmark’s initiative aligns with broader trends, as other countries, including Malaysia and Norway, are considering similar limitations on social media access for minors. Meanwhile, in China, stringent measures are already in place regarding children’s online gaming and smartphone usage to mitigate potential risks.
As the conversation around digital safety for children continues to evolve, the balance between protection and freedom remains a crucial point of contention in policymaking across the globe. The steps taken by Denmark could signal a shift in how nations approach the complexities of children’s interactions with digital platforms.
