Denmark Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-15s Amid Child Welfare Concerns

Danish Government Targets Under-15s with Social Media Ban Proposal

The Danish government has unveiled plans to introduce a ban on social media for children under the age of 15. The proposal, announced by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during her address to the Folketing (Danish parliament) on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, aims to protect young people from the perceived harms of excessive digital engagement. Under the proposed legislation, parents would have the option to grant permission for their children to use social media from the age of 13.

Rationale Behind the Proposed Restrictions

Prime Minister Frederiksen articulated strong concerns regarding the impact of social media on children's well-being, stating, 'We have unleashed a monster.' She emphasized that 'mobile phones and social media are stealing our children's childhood,' attributing rising rates of anxiety, depression, and difficulties with concentration and reading among young people to digital platforms. Frederiksen also highlighted that screens expose children to content 'no child or young person should see.'

Supporting these concerns, figures cited by the Prime Minister indicate that 94 percent of Danish children in seventh grade already have a social media profile before turning 13, despite many platforms having a minimum age of 13. Furthermore, data suggests that 60 percent of Danish boys aged 11 to 19 rarely meet friends in person during their free time. Digitalisation Minister Caroline Stage Olsen echoed these sentiments, admitting Denmark had been 'too naive' in leaving children's digital lives to platforms that 'never had their well-being in mind.'

Implementation and Broader Context

While the specific social media platforms affected and the enforcement mechanisms for the ban remain unspecified, the government hopes to implement the measure as early as next year. The initiative follows a 2024 citizen petition calling for a ban on platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, which garnered 50,000 signatures. Earlier this year, Denmark also moved to ban mobile phones in all schools and after-school clubs.

Denmark's proposal aligns with a growing international trend to regulate children's access to social media. The move is facilitated by new EU guidelines introduced in July under the Digital Services Act, which enable member states to implement more stringent national age limits. Other countries are also taking action: Australia has introduced a ban on social media for under-16s, and a French parliamentary committee recently called for a similar ban for under-15s. Greece has also proposed an 'age of digital adulthood' across the EU to prevent children from accessing social media without parental consent.

Next Steps

The proposed ban signifies a significant step in Denmark's efforts to safeguard children in the digital age. The government plans to tighten oversight of major tech companies and strengthen the enforcement of digital laws to ensure online platforms are safer for minors. The bill's timeline and specific details on its practical implementation are expected to be clarified as it progresses through the legislative process.