COPENHAGEN, Denmark – Social Media Restrictions for Youth
After Australia implemented a ban on social media for children under 16, Denmark is preparing to do something similar by significantly limiting young people’s access to these platforms.
Recently, the Danish government revealed an agreement with ruling and opposition parties to prohibit social media access for children under 15. If passed, this would mark one of the strictest measures taken by a European Union member to limit social media for minors.
The finalization of this Danish initiative could occur by mid-2026. Reports suggest that parents might have the option to allow their kids to access social media starting at age 13, although the government hasn’t provided complete details yet.
While many platforms already restrict access for those under 13, and EU regulations demand that tech companies take protective measures for young users, officials point out that these restrictions often fall short.
Authorities in Denmark noted that around 98% of kids under 13 still have profiles on social media, and nearly half of those under 10 are active on these platforms. Digital Affairs Minister Caroline Stage mentioned last month that there remains a consultation process, with several steps in parliament before anything becomes law. This could happen “by the middle of next year to the end of next year.”
“For years, we’ve let social media operate freely in children’s spaces, without restrictions,” Stage remarked in an interview. She compared it to how bouncers check ages at parties, implying that, similarly, there isn’t adequate age verification in the digital realm.
In Australia, recent laws impose hefty fines on platforms like Facebook and TikTok if they fail to take steps to remove underage accounts. Some students in Denmark have expressed concern that similar laws might hinder their connection with online communities.
For instance, 15-year-old Ronja Zander, who uses Instagram and TikTok, said she finds it critical to maintain those online relationships. “If I hadn’t turned 15 yet, I wouldn’t have been able to talk to them,” she explained.
Another student, 14-year-old Chloe Craj Verstrup-Mathyssen, acknowledged the negative aspects of social media, mentioning instances of cyberbullying and exposure to graphic content. She recalled a disturbing video she encountered earlier this year.
A parent, Line Pedersen from Nyuköbing, voiced her support for the proposed ban, admitting that society might have underestimated the impacts of giving children smartphones and social media access at ages as young as 8. “I don’t think young people understand what is normal and what isn’t,” she said.
Details on how the ban will be enforced or which specific platforms will be targeted still remain unclear. However, a new “digital evidence” app planned for launch next spring aims to help verify users’ ages and ensure compliance with restrictions.
Stage added, “What they say and what they do are often different, which is why we need legal action.” Yet some experts caution that such measures may not be effective and could infringe on young people’s rights. Anne Mette Tollhauge, an associate professor, expressed concern about the potential impact on children’s democratic rights and likened social media for today’s youth to traditional media for her generation.
The EU’s Digital Services Act, implemented two years ago, mandates that platforms have parental controls and age verification in place for young users. EU officials recognize the challenges of enforcing these protective regulations effectively, emphasizing the need for collaboration among member nations and considerable resources.
Denmark isn’t alone in this approach; Malaysia plans to follow suit and restrict social media for those under 16 starting next year, and Norway is also considering limitations. Additionally, China has put regulations in place to limit the online and smartphone usage of children.
