2 min read
Denmark is preparing to ban social media for anyone under 15, following a rare cross-party agreement among lawmakers. The move, reported by the source, marks one of the boldest global efforts to limit children’s access to social media.
The proposal, led by Denmark’s Digitalization Ministry, would set 15 as the minimum age for certain social platforms. However, officials have not yet specified which apps will be restricted or how the rule will be enforced.
According to the ministry, social media is disrupting children’s sleep, focus, and peace of mind. Digitalization Minister Caroline Stage said authorities are “drawing a line in the sand” to protect younger users.
Globally, concerns about social media’s effects on children have been growing. Australia will soon implement the world’s first nationwide social media ban for users under 16. Beginning in December, platforms operating there must use age-verification tools and could face fines for noncompliance.
Still, such verification systems, especially facial recognition and ID uploads, have sparked privacy concerns. In the UK and Italy, adults must already verify their age with selfies or ID checks to access adult content. Similar methods for teenagers could raise serious questions about data safety and privacy.
In the United States, several states have also tested similar limits. Texas came close to passing a ban, while Utah now requires parental consent for teen accounts. Florida approved a law restricting minors’ social media use, though it remains tied up in court.
Denmark’s plan is expected to intensify global debate over the balance between online safety and personal freedom. It also raises the question of whether social media access should be a parental choice rather than a government mandate.
