What's happened
Several European countries, including Denmark and the UK, are considering or implementing restrictions on social media for under-16s. Australia has already enacted a ban for under-16s, prompting discussions on protecting children from online harms amid concerns over addictive platforms and harmful content.
What's behind the headline?
The push for restricting social media access for minors reflects a broader recognition of the platform's potential harms. Countries like Denmark are adopting strict bans, citing the need to protect childhood innocence and mental health, while also acknowledging the difficulty of enforcement. The Danish government plans to use a new digital evidence app to verify age, but experts warn restrictions may infringe on children's rights and could push minors toward unregulated platforms. The Australian example demonstrates that enforcement and compliance are complex, and bans alone may not fully address underlying issues. The UK’s cautious approach suggests a balancing act between regulation and freedom, but public opinion strongly favors stricter age limits. Ultimately, these policies aim to curb the addictive nature of social media, but their success depends on effective enforcement and industry cooperation.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that the UK and other European countries are watching Australia's social media ban closely, with many considering similar restrictions. Dan Milmo highlights that Australia’s law faces scrutiny over enforcement challenges, and that other nations like Denmark and Norway are moving ahead with bans for under-15s and 15-year-olds, respectively. The Independent details Denmark’s legislative process and concerns about children’s rights, while Al Jazeera emphasizes the broad European interest in digital safety measures. Contrasting opinions include critics warning that bans may infringe on personal freedoms and may not fully protect children, as Unicef and campaigners like Beeban Kidron caution that regulation should complement, not replace, industry safety investments. The debate remains polarized between protecting children and respecting digital rights.
How we got here
The move follows growing concerns about the impact of social media on children, including mental health issues, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. Australia’s recent ban for under-16s has influenced other European nations, with Denmark, Norway, and Spain exploring similar restrictions. The EU is also debating measures, though with less binding legislation. The UK is monitoring these developments as it considers potential restrictions, amid public support for raising the minimum age to 16.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Denmark, officially the Kingdom of Denmark, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. Denmark proper, which is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries, consists of a peninsula, Jutland, and an archipelago of 443 named islands, with the largest being
-
Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.