Denmark is set to become one of the first European nations to implement a comprehensive ban on social media access for children under 15. This landmark move, spearheaded by the Ministry of Digitalisation, aims to shield young people from the potential harms associated with early exposure to online platforms. The proposed legislation would establish a strict age limit for accessing social media, with parental consent available in limited circumstances for children aged 13.
While the specific social media platforms targeted remain undisclosed, the Danish government emphasizes this measure will apply to “certain” popular platforms frequented by teenagers and preteens. However, the practicalities of enforcing such a ban in an increasingly digital world – where young people often navigate the internet through various devices and connections – remain unclear.
This initiative follows on the heels of Australia’s historic decision earlier this year. Australia enacted legislation setting a minimum age of 16 for social media use, making it the first country globally to implement such a restriction. Australian platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, X, Instagram, and YouTube face hefty fines – up to 50 million Australian dollars (€28.3 million) – for repeatedly failing to prevent minors from creating accounts.
The Danish government highlights the growing concern surrounding children’s online safety in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. They cite disruptions to sleep patterns, difficulties with concentration, and the intensifying pressures of navigating online relationships where adult supervision is often absent as key motivating factors behind this legislation.
“This is a development that no parent, teacher, or educator can stop alone,” reads the Danish Ministry statement, emphasizing the need for collective action.
The ministry further points to the overwhelming influence wielded by tech giants’ business models – heavily reliant on user data and engagement – as a formidable obstacle to safeguarding children online. Digitalisation Minister Caroline Stage underscores this point, stating that through this agreement, Denmark is “finally drawing a line in the sand and setting a clear direction.”
This move positions Denmark at the forefront of EU efforts to regulate social media access for young people, sparking an anticipated debate across Europe and beyond about finding the optimal balance between fostering digital literacy and protecting children from potential online harms.
