Denmark Set to Block Social Media for Under-15s

Denmark is preparing to introduce a nationwide age limit that would stop anyone under 15 from using social media platforms, marking one of the strongest government crackdowns globally on Big Tech’s role in children’s lives. The plan aligns Denmark with Australia, which recently adopted similar restrictions.

Officials say the change is urgently needed because young people are being exposed to harmful online material long before they are emotionally ready. Digital Affairs Minister Caroline Stage said that social platforms have failed to protect younger users, even though almost all Danish children are already using them by age 13, and many begin younger.

“The amount of violence and self harm they are exposed to online is simply too great,” Stage said. She recognised that tech companies are powerful and influential but argued they have not invested enough in safety tools for minors.

The proposal still needs to be written into law, and lawmakers expect several months of debate and design. The government says it wants to ensure the rules are enforceable and not just symbolic. Additional checks will be built in to prevent children from bypassing the restrictions.

Families will have limited discretion. Some parents could apply for permission to allow social media use from the age of 13, but only after a formal assessment. Otherwise, the minimum age will be set at 15.

The biggest challenge is enforcement. Many platforms already claim users must be 13, but those policies are often ignored. Denmark plans to use a national digital identification system and a new age verification app to confirm user ages. Platforms that cannot or will not introduce proper verification could face penalties of up to 6 percent of their global revenue under European Union regulations.

Australia introduced its own nationwide restrictions in December, preventing children under 16 from signing up. Tech companies like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat face fines that could reach AU$50 million if they fail to comply.

Danish officials say the intention is not to remove children from the digital world entirely, but to reduce the psychological strain that comes from constant online engagement. They pointed to disrupted sleep patterns, social pressure, anxiety and the effect of recommendation algorithms that are designed to keep users scrolling.

Across Europe, governments have become increasingly concerned about youth mental health and the influence of platform algorithms. French prosecutors have recently begun investigating whether TikTok promotes self-harm or suicide-related content. China already enforces strict limits on screen time and gaming for minors.

TikTok has pointed to protective measures like built-in teen safety settings and a Family Pairing feature that allows parents to link accounts. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has not issued a public response to Denmark’s announcement.

Stage said that voluntary measures from Big Tech have not worked. “We have given the tech giants so many chances,” she said. “They have not done it. So now we will take control and make sure our children’s futures are safe.”