Denmark to Ban Social Media for Under-15s

The Danish government has unveiled a groundbreaking proposal to prohibit social media usage for children under the age of 15, marking a significant step in the global debate on digital safeguarding for youth. This initiative, while stringent, incorporates a nuanced approach by allowing parental discretion for children aged 13 and 14 to access specific platforms under certain conditions.

This legislative move comes in the wake of Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's impassioned address to parliament, where she advocated for more robust measures to protect the mental well-being of young Danes. Digitalization Minister Caroline Stage Olsen articulated the government's stance, asserting that social media platforms have been detrimental to children's time management and overall quality of life.

The proposed ban specifically targets platforms that have gained immense popularity among Danish youth, including Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. A recent analysis by the Danish competition and consumer authority revealed that young people in Denmark allocate an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes daily to social media engagement, underscoring the pervasive influence of these platforms on youth culture and daily routines.

Denmark's initiative aligns with a growing international trend of implementing stricter regulations on social media usage for minors. Australia, for instance, instituted a similar ban for children under 16 in the previous year, reflecting a global shift towards more protective digital policies for young users.

The proposal has garnered substantial support within the Danish parliament, with a majority of parties signaling their intention to endorse the plan. This broad political consensus suggests a high likelihood of the measure being enacted into law following a formal parliamentary vote.