COPENHAGEN, Denmark (Kashmir English): Denmark has announced to impose a ban on social media use for children under 15, a move aimed at protecting the mental health and well-being of the younger generation.
Parents, however, have been allowed to give permission to children as young as 13 to access certain platforms under supervision.
Social media and children’s well-being
The Danish government revealed the plan following Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s earlier call in the parliament to restrict social media access for minors.
The move is part of a broader effort to address growing concerns about children’s exposure to digital platforms and their effects on mental health.
According to Digitalization Minister Caroline Stage Olsen, the government could no longer ignore the growing problem.
“The so-called social media thrive on stealing our children’s time, childhood, and well-being — and we are putting a stop to that now,” she declared.
A majority of political parties having presence in Denmark’s parliament, have already expressed support for the move ahead of its formal vote in a broad political consensus on the issue.
Screen time statistics
According to the Danish authorities, the platforms most used by the Danish children include Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Children in Denmark spend an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes daily on social media, an analysis by the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority from February revealed.
The findings added weight to the growing concerns about excessive screen time and its link to anxiety, sleep disruption, and other behavioural issues.
Denmark’s move reflects similar efforts globally. Australia, for instance, imposed a ban last year restricting children under 16 from using social media platforms.
