Denmark's Social Media Access Ban for Under 15s
On November 7, 2025, Denmark's government announced a significant political agreement to ban social media access for individuals under the age of 15. This initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Digitalization.
Key Features of the Policy
- Age Limit: Social media access is prohibited for those under 15. However, parents may grant access to children aged 13 and above after a specific assessment.
- Objective: The ban aims to protect children and young people from harmful digital content and commercial influences.
Context and Comparisons
- European Initiative: Denmark is one of the first EU countries to implement such a policy, taking a proactive step to safeguard youth in the digital realm.
- International Precedent: This follows Australia’s earlier action in December, where a similar ban was put in place for children under 16, imposing fines on platforms for non-compliance.
Rationale and Concerns
- Protection from Harmful Content: The coalition of parties emphasizes that children should not navigate the digital world unattended, where detrimental content and commercial endeavors prevail.
- Health and Well-being: Concerns include disrupted sleep, diminished peace and concentration, and increased pressure from digital interactions without adult supervision.
This comprehensive approach underscores the growing recognition of the need for regulatory measures in response to the challenges posed by social media on youth well-being.
