What's happened
Denmark plans to ban social media for under-15s, with some parents able to allow usage from age 13. The move aims to protect children from online harms amid broader European discussions on age limits and digital safety. The policy could become law by mid-2026.
What's behind the headline?
The Danish proposal exemplifies a broader European trend toward restricting social media access for minors, driven by concerns over mental health, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. While platforms already restrict under-13s, Denmark's plan targets a higher age limit, aiming to create a safer digital environment. However, experts warn that such bans may infringe on children's rights and could push minors toward unregulated platforms. The proposed digital evidence app indicates a move toward stricter enforcement, but questions remain about its effectiveness and potential unintended consequences. The policy reflects a tension between protecting children and preserving their digital social lives, which are increasingly integral to their development. The outcome will likely influence other nations' approaches to online safety and age regulation, with the potential to reshape the social media landscape for minors.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that Australia’s social media ban for under-16s is being closely watched by other countries, with Europe in particular considering similar measures. The Guardian highlights that Denmark's government has secured agreement to ban social media for under-15s, with a possible law by mid-2026, citing concerns over harmful online content and the lack of age verification in the digital world. The Independent emphasizes that Denmark's plans are the most sweeping yet in Europe, with nearly half of children under 10 already on social media. Al Jazeera notes that the reforms include some parental allowances from age 13, amid worries about digital harms. Both sources underline that social media platforms already restrict under-13s, but Denmark aims for a higher age limit, backed by new enforcement tools like a digital evidence app. Experts warn that restrictions may infringe on children's rights and question their effectiveness, but the policy signals a significant shift toward stricter online safety measures for minors.
How we got here
Following Australia's lead, several European countries are considering or implementing stricter social media age restrictions. Denmark's government announced a coalition agreement to ban social media for under-15s, citing concerns over harmful content and digital safety. The EU has also discussed measures to protect minors online, reflecting growing global concern about social media's impact on children.
Go deeper
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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
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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.