The Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, has unveiled a proposal to ban children under 15 from using social media, accusing smartphones and platforms of “stealing our children’s childhood.”

 

 

She made the announcement during her address at the opening of the Folketing, Denmark’s parliament, warning that children and youth are increasingly suffering from anxiety, depression, and concentration deficits because of excessive screen use. 

 

Frederiksen did not name specific platforms but said the ban would cover “several” social networks. Under her plan, parents could grant permission for children aged 13 and 14 to access social media. The law could take effect as early as next year. 

 

This move follows earlier policies: Denmark already intends to ban mobile phone use in schools and after-school clubs, following a recommendation from a government wellbeing commission that children under 13 should not own smartphones or tablets. 

 

Internationally, countries like Australia and Norway are pursuing similar age limits. Australia plans to prevent under-16s from using platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, while Norway’s prime minister has called for raising the minimum age from 13 to 15. 

 

Supporters of the Danish proposal argue that social media exposes children to harmful content, erodes wellbeing, and creates addictive behaviour. Critics warn of possible enforcement challenges, parental opposition, and questions about children’s rights. The debate foreshadows growing global tension over how much regulation governments should impose to protect minors online.

 

Read the original article: The Guardian — Denmark plans social media ban for under-15s as PM warns phones ‘stealing childhood’ 

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

1. The Danish government proposes banning social media use for children under 15, with parental opt-in from age 13.

 

 

2. The policy is framed as a response to rising mental health and attention problems among youth tied to screen overuse.

 

 

3. Similar age-limit efforts are underway internationally (e.g. Australia, Norway), raising questions about balancing protection and digital rights.

 

 

 

Adapted From:

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/07/danish-pm-plans-to-ban-social-media-for-under-15s-warning-it-is-stealing-childhood

 

Many sites already restrict use, though simply stating your 18+ is enough.   Taking AN as an example, simply asking doesn't work very well 😎

 

Sort of like YouTube, with 'age restricted content' ... does YT really believe 1 billion people were born non January 1st