The government is proposing a ban on social media in Denmark for children under the age of 15, prompting both praise and uncertainty about the law’s execution and scope.
Government Unveils Proposal to Protect Children
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has announced a new government initiative aimed at banning children under the age of 15 from using most social media platforms. The proposal offers an exception for children ages 13 and 14, whose parents may choose to grant access. According to the government, they want to reduce children’s exposure to harmful digital content and the addictive nature of various platforms. The goal is to keep children safer online.
This announcement follows growing national concern about the negative impact social media in Denmark can have on the mental and emotional wellbeing of children. According to a February report published by Denmark’s Media Council for Children and Young People, more than 95% of 13-year-olds in Denmark own a smartphone, highlighting the widespread access and usage of digital platforms from a young age. The report shows how common phone use is.
Child Advocacy Groups Support the Move
The nonprofit group Børns Vilkår (Children’s Welfare), which advocates for children’s rights in Denmark, welcomes the government’s intention. Through daily contact with children via an anonymous hotline called Børnetelefonen, the group has noted many troubling incidents linked to social media in Denmark. These include children losing sleep, being exposed to inappropriate content, and experiencing emotional distress due to online interactions.
One of the key concerns raised by the organization is the prevalence of grooming behavior and the addictive design of social media platforms that keep children engaged for prolonged periods. The group emphasizes the importance of creating a safer digital childhood and shielding children from content they are not mature enough to process.
Experts Highlight Need for Clear Implementation
While the proposal has drawn support, experts also urge the Danish government to clarify its plans. Digital youth behavior specialists caution that without a clear definition of what constitutes a social media platform, the rules risk being either ineffective or overly broad. For instance, messaging apps like Messenger and Snapchat, which many school-aged children use for harmless communication with friends and classmates, could fall under the restrictions.
In addition, new-generation platforms like the Danish-developed Oase App, designed as a non-addictive alternative for young users, could inadvertently be affected if a comprehensive ban is implemented without nuance.
Blurred Lines Between Gaming and Social Media in Denmark
Recent developments in online gaming further complicate efforts to regulate social media in Denmark. Games like Roblox and FIFA feature chat functions and interactive communities, blurring the line between gaming and social platforms. These elements are central to how children socialize online, raising questions about whether such games would also fall under the government’s proposed ban.
This complexity challenges lawmakers to create regulations that protect children while not cutting them off from the digital spaces where they build friendships and social skills. Rather than an outright ban across all platforms, several experts suggest working toward encouraging the development of healthier digital tools specifically designed for young users.
Looking Ahead: A Shift in Digital Parenting Norms
The Danish government’s initiative may also influence social norms around screen time and digital maturity. Supporters of the proposal hope that introducing a national age threshold whether it be 13 or 15, can ease the individual burden on parents making difficult choices about whether their child is “old enough” to go online.
By creating a standardized age of access, it may reduce peer pressure in classrooms where some children have social media accounts and others do not. This could lead to less social exclusion and more cohesion among students, as well as greater parental control over children’s online behavior.
As the policy moves forward, details regarding enforcement mechanisms, age verification systems, and platform accountability are expected to emerge. While many details remain uncertain, the initiative marks a significant moment in Denmark’s approach to child digital safety. The debate will likely continue to shape how Danish society balances access to technology with childhood protection.
