**Denmark to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 8, 2025, 5:13 PM*
Denmark is set to become the latest country to impose a ban on social media use for children under the age of 15. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced the proposal during her speech at the opening of Folketing, Denmark’s parliament.
Frederiksen emphasized the negative impact of social media, stating that mobile phones and social networks are “stealing our children’s childhood.” She highlighted concerns about the detrimental effects these platforms have on children’s mental health and concentration levels.
### Rising Mental Health Concerns
The proposal comes amid increasing cases of anxiety and depression among children and young people in Denmark. The Prime Minister remarked, “Never before have so many children and young people suffered from anxiety and depression.”
Additionally, Frederiksen pointed out that many children are struggling with reading and concentration, which she attributed to the inappropriate content encountered on screens.
### Details of the Ban
While Frederiksen did not specify which social media networks would be included, she mentioned that the ban would cover “several” platforms. Importantly, parents will have the option to allow their children to use social media starting from the age of 13.
The ban is expected to take effect as early as next year.
### Government Response and International Context
Denmark’s Minister of Digitalization, Caroline Stage Olsen, praised the government’s announcement as a “breakthrough.” She stated, “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: we’ve been too naive. We’ve left children’s digital lives to platforms that never had their wellbeing in mind.”
This move follows a similar initiative by Australia, which is banning social media platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube for children under 16.
Denmark’s upcoming legislation reflects growing global concerns about the impact of social media on young users’ mental health and development.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/denmark-might-soon-ban-social-media-for-kids/story
