COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – Denmark is planning to follow Australia’s recent move to restrict social media use among young people, proposing a ban for children under 15. The Danish government last month announced an agreement among three coalition parties and two opposition parties in parliament to enact the measure, which could become law by mid-2026. While some parents may be allowed to grant access to children aged 13 and older, details of the plan are still being finalized.
Despite age restrictions on most platforms, Danish authorities say nearly 98% of children under 13 already have social media profiles, including almost half of those under 10. Minister for Digital Affairs Caroline Stage emphasized the need for stronger protections, comparing the lack of oversight online to the bouncers who enforce age limits in nightlife. The proposal comes amid mixed reactions: some students fear losing connections with online friends, while others, along with parents like Line Pedersen, support the restrictions as a way to protect children from harmful content. Denmark plans to use a new digital evidence app to verify users’ ages, forming the core of enforcement. Experts, however, caution that such bans may be difficult to enforce and could raise questions about the democratic rights of children who rely on social media to connect with peers. Similar measures are being considered in other countries, including Malaysia, Norway, and China, which has already imposed limits on online gaming and device use for children.