Denmark’s government has announced a significant political agreement to ban social media access for individuals under the age of 15. This initiative aims to address growing concerns over the impact of social media on young users and follows similar reforms enacted in Australia.
The proposed measures will set the minimum age for social media accounts at 15, although parents may be permitted to grant consent for their children to access platforms starting at age 13, contingent upon specific assessments. This regulation represents one of the most comprehensive actions taken by a European government to mitigate risks associated with social media among minors.
In December 2023, Australia’s parliament enacted the world’s first nationwide ban on social media for children, establishing the minimum age at 16. This legislation imposes substantial penalties, with fines reaching up to $50 million for platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, and Instagram if they fail to prevent users under 16 from creating accounts.
The Danish Ministry for Digitalisation emphasized the importance of this initiative in a statement, declaring, “As one of the first countries in the EU, Denmark is now taking a groundbreaking step towards introducing age limits on social media. This is done to protect children and young people in the digital world.” The coalition government, comprising parties from both the right and left of the political spectrum, aims to ensure that children are safeguarded against harmful content and commercial interests that permeate their online experiences.
Concerns about the effects of social media on children have been mounting. The Ministry noted that many young users experience disrupted sleep, diminished concentration, and increasing pressure from digital relationships, where adult supervision is often lacking. Minister of Digitalisation Caroline Stage stated, “We are finally drawing a line in the sand.”
Denmark’s decision reflects a broader trend among countries seeking to regulate social media usage among youth, as concerns about mental health and digital safety continue to grow. The government’s commitment to protecting children in an increasingly digital landscape has garnered attention and support, highlighting an urgent need for responsible online practices.
As this policy unfolds, Denmark aims to serve as a model for other nations considering similar regulations. The implications of these measures could pave the way for more stringent controls on social media access for minors, fostering a safer online environment for future generations.
