Denmark has taken a bold step to protect young people’s wellbeing by banning social media for children under 15. The country aims to shield them from harmful content, digital addiction, and mental health risks. From now on, children aged 13 or 14 can use social media only with parental permission, while those under 13 are off-limits.
The government points to a 94% of kids aged 13 or under already having a social-media account, and many spending over two hours a day online. This has raised concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on children’s lives. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen calls mobile phones and social media “stealing our children’s time, childhood, and well-being”.
The ban applies to popular apps like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube, which dominate youth online lives. Social media platforms will be responsible for age checks, with failure leading to penalties of up to 6% of their global earnings.
While some welcome the decision, others worry about how it will be enforced or affect children who rely on social media for connection or creativity. The policy also raises questions about digital literacy and whether it will stifle creative skills.
Denmark’s initiative is a reflection of global concern over the impact of digital lives on children. It challenges the world to prioritize childhood, well-being, and human connection in an era where screens dominate.
Source: https://vocal.media/theSwamp/denmark-s-bold-move-banning-social-media-for-under-15s