Icelandic Minister Proposes Social Media Age Limit for Under-15s and Launches Literacy Drive

Minister Outlines Dual Focus on Youth Well-being

Inga Sæland, Iceland's recently appointed Minister of Education and Children's Affairs, has unveiled a significant policy agenda focusing on youth well-being, encompassing both digital safety and educational attainment. Speaking on the national broadcaster RÚV's radio show Kastljós on January 14, 2026, Minister Sæland announced her intention to introduce restrictions on social media access for individuals under the age of 15. This proposal is part of a broader effort to safeguard young people in the digital realm.

Proposed Social Media Restrictions

The proposed restrictions aim to set a minimum age of 15 years for social media access, aligning Iceland with similar initiatives being considered or implemented in other Nordic countries. While the specific details are still 'on the drawing board,' Minister Sæland's announcement signals a clear governmental intent to address concerns regarding the impact of social media on young people. Discussions around raising the social media age limit in Iceland have been ongoing, with the Progressive Party previously introducing a parliamentary resolution in November 2025 to consider such a change, citing concerns about harmful content and inadequate safeguards for children.

National Literacy Drive Initiated

Alongside the social media proposal, Minister Sæland declared that improving literacy levels would be a central priority for her ministry, stating, 'This will be a year of literacy in my heart.' She expressed concerns that the current education system has 'completely and utterly failed' children, particularly in terms of reading comprehension, with a significant number of pupils struggling by the end of compulsory schooling. To address this, Sæland plans to draw inspiration from the 'Finnish approach' to education, which successfully tackled similar literacy challenges. She also intends to implement projects such as 'Kveikjum neistann' (Let's Light the Spark), a school development initiative focused on improving literacy.

Context of Ministerial Appointment

Inga Sæland, leader of the People's Party, assumed the role of Minister of Education and Children's Affairs on January 9, 2026, succeeding Guðmundur Ingi Kristinsson, who resigned due to illness. Her swift announcement of these key initiatives underscores her commitment to addressing critical issues facing Icelandic youth and the education system.