Denmark Proposes Social Media Restrictions for Children Under 15

Denmark has announced plans to implement significant restrictions on social media access for children under the age of 15, following the lead of Australia, which recently enforced a ban on social media usage for individuals under 16. The Danish government reached a political consensus last month, securing support from both the ruling coalition and two opposition parties, signaling robust parliamentary backing for the initiative.

Proposed Legislation and Timeline

The proposed legislation could come into effect as early as mid-2026, pending parliamentary approval. Under this plan, parents may have the option to allow their children to access social media from the age of 13, although specific details regarding this provision are still under development. The government is currently engaging in a consultation process to refine the proposal before it is finalised.

Current Social Media Landscape in Denmark

According to government data, approximately 98% of Danish children under the age of 13 already maintain profiles on various social media platforms, with nearly half of those under 10 being active users. This statistic highlights the prevalence of underage social media usage, which the government aims to address through the proposed restrictions.

Despite existing age restrictions on major platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, enforcement has proven challenging. Danish authorities argue that the current measures are insufficient to protect minors from potential online dangers, including cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content.

Ministerial Remarks

Danish Minister for Digital Affairs Caroline Stage has emphasised the need for stringent regulations to safeguard children in the digital realm. In a recent interview, she remarked, "In far too many years, we have given the social media platforms free play in the playing rooms of our children. There’s been no limits." She compared the need for age verification in digital spaces to the role of bouncers in physical venues, ensuring that minors do not access environments unsuitable for them.

Concerns from Young Users

While the proposed restrictions have garnered political support, they have raised concerns among young users who fear losing touch with their online friendships. For instance, 14-year-old Chloe Courage Fjelstrup-Matthisen acknowledged the negative aspects of social media but expressed apprehension about the potential loss of connections formed online.

Parental Perspectives

Reactions from parents are mixed. Line Pedersen, a mother from Nykobing, expressed support for the initiative, stating, "I think that we didn’t really realise what we were doing when we gave our children the telephone and social media from when they were eight, 10 years old." This sentiment reflects a growing awareness among parents regarding the impact of unrestricted access to social media on children's development.

Broader Context and Future Implications

Denmark's proposed measures are part of a wider trend among countries seeking to establish stricter controls on children's access to digital platforms. Similar initiatives are being observed in Australia, Malaysia, and Norway, as governments respond to rising concerns about young people's online safety. This movement aligns with broader European Union efforts to enhance protections for minors under the Digital Services Act, which aims to set comprehensive standards for online safety.

As discussions continue, Denmark's plans may pave the way for more stringent regulations across Europe, reflecting an increasing recognition of the need to protect children in the digital age.