COPENHAGEN, Denmark (BN24) — Denmark announced plans Tuesday to introduce a nationwide ban on social media for children under the age of 15, as part of a growing international push to limit online exposure among minors.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen unveiled the proposal during the opening session of the Danish Parliament’s autumn term but offered few specifics on implementation or enforcement. She did note that the law would allow parents to authorize access to platforms for children as young as 13.
“The cell phone and social media are robbing our children of their childhood,” Frederiksen told lawmakers. She referenced data indicating that 60 percent of Danish boys aged 11 to 19 now prefer staying home over spending time with friends, a shift the government attributes in part to digital isolation.
The timeline for the bill’s introduction remains unclear, and Frederiksen did not name the platforms that would be affected. However, global precedents suggest major services like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube could fall within the ban’s scope.
The proposal aligns Denmark with a growing number of countries grappling with the psychological and developmental effects of social media on children.
In 2024, Australia passed a law banning social media access for users under 16, although enforcement mechanisms remain vague. The Australian law includes widely used platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
In June, Greece proposed a European Union-wide “age of digital adulthood,” which would restrict children from accessing social media without parental approval. That initiative has sparked debate across the EU’s 27 member states over online rights and child protection.
Frederiksen’s announcement adds momentum to the movement, as governments increasingly weigh the benefits of online connectivity against the documented rise in mental health issues and social withdrawal among young users.
More details on Denmark’s proposal are expected in the coming months as lawmakers begin shaping the legislation.
