Denmark will ban social media for children under 15

The Danish government is discussing the possibility of introducing restrictions on the use of social networks for children under 15 years of age, Reuters reports. At the same time, the authorities want to reserve the right of parents at their own discretion to allow children access to certain platforms.

The country's government announced the decision to ban social networks. Earlier, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called for establishing such restrictions. She explained the need for the ban due to concerns about the influence of social networks on the mental health of young people.

“So-called social networks thrive on stealing our children’s time, childhood and well-being, and we will now put an end to it,” said Digitalization Minister Caroline Stage Olsen.

Most parties in parliament said they would support the ban.

• According to the Danish government, Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok are the most popular among children in the country.
• On average, young people in Denmark spend two hours and 40 minutes a day on social networks, according to a study by the Danish competition authority conducted at the beginning of 2025.
• In Australia, in November 2024, a law was passed prohibiting children under 16 years of age from using social networks. It will come into force on December 10. Australia became the first country in the world to establish such restrictions.