Denmark Takes Bold Step to Protect Children Online
Denmark is preparing to introduce a nationwide ban on social media use for children under 15, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced on Tuesday. The proposal, she said, comes as growing evidence suggests that social media platforms are “stealing our children’s childhood” and contributing to widespread anxiety, depression, and social isolation among young people.
During her opening speech to the Danish Parliament, Frederiksen emphasized that while mobile phones were originally introduced as tools for communication and safety, their role has drastically changed — and not for the better.
“We said yes to mobile phones so children could call home and connect with friends,” Frederiksen stated. “But the reality is that we have let a monster loose. Never before have so many young people struggled with anxiety and depression.”
Parental Approval and Age Restrictions
Under the proposed law, children under 15 would be barred from creating social media accounts, while parents could grant permission from age 13. The aim is to give families more control over their children’s digital exposure while reducing the risks associated with excessive screen time and online content.
Frederiksen noted that many children today find it hard to concentrate or read, and that some are exposed to harmful or age-inappropriate material online. She also cited worrying trends in social isolation, referencing a statistic that suggests 60% of Danish boys aged 11 to 19 do not meet a single friend in person during their free time each week.
“Would that number be so high if not for the smartphone?” she asked rhetorically. “Social media and mobile phones are robbing our children of real experiences — they are stealing their childhood.”
A Broader Push for Digital Wellbeing
The proposed social media ban comes shortly after Denmark’s lawmakers voted to ban mobile phones in primary schools and after-school programs, a recommendation from a wellbeing commission established in 2023.
The government’s latest move is part of a growing international push to safeguard children’s mental health and digital wellbeing. Other countries have also begun to take similar measures against unrestricted social media use among minors.
Global Efforts to Regulate Social Media for Minors
Denmark joins a growing list of nations introducing stricter online safety laws for children.
In Australia, lawmakers passed a world-first law in 2023 that bans social media use for children under 16. The legislation requires tech companies to take “reasonable steps” to block underage users or face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million).
Meanwhile, Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has proposed a similar ban for users under 15, with the government launching a public consultation in June 2025 to gather feedback before moving forward.
Social media companies, including TikTok, have pushed back against these restrictions, claiming that their platforms can serve educational purposes and that they already implement safeguards to protect minors from harmful content.
Denmark’s Focus: Protecting the Next Generation
Frederiksen’s proposal reflects a broader national concern about digital dependency and mental health. She stressed that the legislation is not intended to isolate children but rather to help them rediscover real-world interactions and emotional wellbeing.
“This law is about ensuring that we take better care of our children here in Denmark,” she concluded.
If passed, Denmark’s initiative could set a new standard for youth digital protection policies in Europe and beyond, redefining how societies balance technology, freedom, and child development.
