Denmark is taking a bold step in protecting children from the harmful effects of social media by introducing a ban on access to these platforms for children under 15 years of age. This move follows closely after Australia announced a similar plan to limit social media use among minors. The Danish government hopes to shield young minds from the negative impacts of digital platforms, although the decision has sparked mixed reactions and a growing debate on its effectiveness.

Denmark’s Plan to Protect Children on Social Media

The Danish government, along with political parties including the Conservative People’s Party and the Radical Left, has agreed on tightening regulations around children’s access to social media. The new law will generally prohibit children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms. However, there is a provision allowing parents to give consent for children aged 13 and above to access these platforms after a thorough assessment. This approach seeks to strike a balance by protecting most children, while giving some teenagers limited access with parental guidance.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has expressed the urgency of this law, stating that social media platforms are “stealing our children’s childhood”. She emphasised the need for action against platforms that have long operated without sufficient oversight in children’s lives. The Danish Minister for Digitalisation, Caroline Stage, echoed this sentiment, saying that the government is “finally drawing a line in the sand” to protect children from the growing digital dangers present on platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and others.

Australia’s Precedent

Denmark’s initiative draws inspiration from Australia’s pioneering step announced just a month earlier. Australia plans to ban children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, Snapchat, X, and YouTube from December 10th. The Australian government has set a high financial penalty for companies that fail to prevent underage access, with fines going up to 50 million Australian dollars.

Australian authorities have argued that social media can negatively affect young people’s health, causing sleep disruption, reduced concentration, and stress from online interactions without adult supervision. Denmark’s policymakers agree that such measures are required to protect the mental well-being of children and to prevent the pressures that arise from an always-connected digital world.

Debate Over Social Media Ban Effectiveness

Despite these new laws, the decision has not gone without controversy. In Denmark, some left-wing political parties have criticised the parental consent clause, calling it a “de facto 13-year limit” rather than a true ban, and arguing that it falls short of tackling the more problematic aspects of social media algorithms that promote harmful content.

Globally, the policy of banning social media for certain age groups has come under scrutiny from experts and academics. Over 140 researchers signed an open letter to the Australian government last year, arguing that age limits are a blunt tool that do not effectively address the risks children face on social media platforms. Some mental health professionals warn that banning social media could have unintended adverse effects, such as making vulnerable children feel isolated, as these platforms often provide crucial support networks.

The Australian Psychological Society stressed that sudden removal of social media could cause withdrawal symptoms in young users, including anxiety and irritability. Therefore, while the intention behind these laws is to protect children, careful consideration is needed to balance protection with the need for connection and support in an increasingly digital world.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share