Denmark plans to ban social media for children under 15

Denmark’s government announced plans to ban social media use for anyone under 15, in one of Europe’s toughest efforts to protect children from harmful online content and corporate influence.

Under the proposal, parents could seek approval for children aged 13–14 to access social media after an official assessment. 

Enforcement details are still being developed, though officials admit current age limits on apps like Instagram and TikTok are easy to bypass.

Digital Affairs Minister Caroline Stage said the move responds to the growing risks of digital exposure: “Ninety-four percent of Danish children under 13 already have social media profiles. The amount of violence and self-harm content they see is unacceptable.” 

She accused major tech firms of failing to protect young users despite vast resources.

The law will rely on Denmark’s national electronic ID system and a planned age-verification app. Platforms that don’t verify users’ ages could face EU fines of up to 6% of global revenue.

The measure follows Australia’s 2024 law banning social media for under-16s, as governments worldwide step up efforts to curb digital harm. 

Stage stressed that the goal is not to isolate children but to safeguard them: “This is not something parents or teachers can handle alone — it’s a societal responsibility.”

TikTok said it supports Denmark’s safety goals, while Meta declined to comment. Stage concluded: “Tech companies had their chance. Now it’s time for us to act to protect our children’s digital future.”

SH