TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Danish government has announced plans to ban social media access for children under the age of 15, citing concerns over the impact of digital platforms on young users.
The policy is spearheaded by the Ministry of Digitalization, which views the current minimum age limit as ineffective, noting that some parents continue to allow children as young as 13 to use social media.
According to a Euronews report on November 7, 2025, the regulation would make Denmark one of the most ambitious countries in the European Union to tackle the potential harms of social media among children and teenagers, who are often spending excessive time in the digital world.
Denmark’s move follows Australia’s recent ban on social media use for children under 16, which is set to take effect on December 10, 2025. Australia’s regulation targets platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, X, Instagram, and YouTube, with fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars for failing to prevent underage accounts—a global first.
The Danish Ministry of Digitalization has stated that the age limit of 15 will apply to “certain social media” platforms, though no list of specific platforms has been announced yet. Details on how the rule will be enforced technically are also still pending.
The policy is expected to ignite debates internationally, but Danish officials emphasize its child-protection focus.
“As one of the first countries in the EU, Denmark is now taking a groundbreaking step towards introducing age limits on social media,” the Ministry said in an official statement.
Members of Denmark’s Parliament from across the political spectrum have expressed support for the move, stressing that children should not face the digital world alone, a space often rife with harmful content.
Lawmakers cited the negative effects of social media, including sleep disruption, decreased concentration, and heightened stress from online social dynamics.
The Ministry also highlighted the role of technology companies’ business models in amplifying these pressures. Caroline Stage, Denmark’s Minister of Digitalization, stated that the new policy signals the government’s firm stance and clear direction.
“We are taking a necessary stand against a development where large tech platforms have had free rein in children’s rooms for far too long,” Stage said.
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