Denmark is planning to follow Australia in introducing stricter restrictions for younger teens to access social media, with the government announcing it had secured an agreement to ban access for anyone under the age of 15.

Timeline and Details

The Danish government’s plans could become law as soon as mid-2026, and the proposed measure would give some parents the right to let their children access social media from age 13, though the ministry has not yet fully shared the plans.

This would make it the most sweeping step yet by a European Union nation to limit use of social media among teens and children.

The Problem Denmark Is Addressing

Danish authorities have said that despite existing restrictions, around 98% of Danish children under age 13 have profiles on at least one social media platform, and almost half of those under 10 years old do.

Denmark’s Minister for DigitaliSation Caroline Stage explained the rationale: “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. When we go into the city at night, there are bouncers who are checking the age of young people to make sure that no one underage gets into a party that they’re not supposed to be in. In the digital world, we don’t have any bouncers, and we definitely need that”.

Current EU Framework

Currently, the EU’s Digital Services Act, which took effect two years ago, requires social media platforms to ensure there are measures including parental controls and age verification tools before young users can access the apps.

However, EU officials have acknowledged that enforcing the regulations aiming at protecting children online has proven challenging because it requires cooperation between member states and many resources.

Youth Concerns

Some students say they are worried that similar strict laws in Denmark would mean they will lose touch with their virtual communities. One student noted that “social media, to many children, is what broadcast media was to my generation. It was a way of connecting to society”.

Part of a Global Trend

Denmark is among several countries that have indicated they plan to follow in Australia’s steps, with the Southeast Asian country of Malaysia expected to ban social media accounts for people under 16 starting at the beginning of next year, and Norway also taking steps to restrict social media access for children and teens.

Source: Following Australia’s lead, Denmark plans to ban social media for children under 15 – ABC News