New Restrictions on Social Media for Children in Denmark
Denmark has introduced a new law that will ban children under the age of 16 from using social media without parental permission. This move comes as part of a broader effort to address concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and well-being. The Scandinavian country is following the lead of Australia and Norway, which have also implemented similar restrictions for children aged 15 and under.
The announcement was made by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during the opening of the Danish Parliament. She highlighted the growing problem of social media and mobile phones “stealing our children’s childhood.” According to her, many children are struggling with reading and concentration, and there has been a significant rise in anxiety and depression among young people.
Frederiksen emphasized that the government is taking this step because of the alarming statistics surrounding children’s use of technology. For instance, 60% of boys aged 11 to 19 do not see a single friend physically in their free time during the week. This figure, she argued, would not be so high if it weren’t for the influence of smartphones.
The proposed law would prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. However, parents would have the option to grant permission for children aged 13 and above to use these platforms. The prime minister called on the parliament to support the legislation and ensure that children are better protected in Denmark.
Perspectives from Experts and Advocates
While some experts and advocates support the move, others argue that a blanket ban may not be the best solution. Andy Burrows, CEO of the Molly Rose Foundation, pointed out that while social media poses risks, a complete ban could lead to unintended consequences. He warned that young people might face greater harm when they reach 16 and start using social media without the necessary skills to navigate it safely.
Burrows emphasized the need for stronger, evidence-based legislation rather than outright bans. His organization advocates for better regulation of social media, especially after the tragic death of Molly Russell, a 14-year-old who took her own life after viewing self-harm content online.
In the UK, the Online Safety Act, which came into effect in 2023, requires companies to take responsibility for protecting children online. This includes measures such as requiring users to upload an ID to access adult content, ensuring that children cannot bypass age filters.
Daisy Greenwell, founder of the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, supports the Danish approach. She compared the restriction of social media to the regulation of alcohol, arguing that social media should be treated similarly. Greenwell praised Denmark for taking a stand and urged other countries to follow suit.
She stated that while implementing such a ban may be challenging, inaction is no longer acceptable. “We’ve reached the point where inaction is indefensible,” she said.
Concerns About Banning Social Media
Despite the support for the ban, some experts caution against its potential drawbacks. Dr Fiona Scott, a lecturer at Sheffield University, believes that social media bans may not address the root issues and could even cause more harm. She warned that such restrictions might push children to use less regulated parts of the internet or find ways to bypass the rules, such as using virtual private networks (VPNs).
Scott also raised concerns about the idea of setting a strict age limit for social media access. She pointed out that children who have not been exposed to social media before the age of 15 may lack the critical skills needed to use it safely. This sudden access could put them at risk without proper support.
Another issue is the debate over children’s rights to engage with digital platforms. Some argue that banning social media could infringe on their right to play and participate in online communities. Instead of focusing on bans, Scott suggested that resources should be directed toward addressing specific harms, holding tech companies accountable, and teaching children digital literacy.
Global Trends and Comparisons
Other countries have taken similar steps to regulate social media for minors. In Australia, a similar ban was proposed last year, but the Digital Child research centre expressed concerns about its effectiveness. They argued that the focus should be on creating high-quality digital products that provide age-appropriate experiences for children.
In several countries, including England, Wales, New Zealand, Italy, France, and the Netherlands, the age of digital consent is set at 13. In the United States, tech companies are required to seek parental consent for children under 13, which is why social media use is banned for those under that age in most countries.
