Denmark Bans social Media for Children Under 15

Denmark’s goverment announced a groundbreaking agreement Friday to ban social media access for anyone under 15. This move considerably increases pressure on Big tech as concerns mount about the harmful effects of a hyper-digitized world on children.

Parents will have limited ability to allow access for 13-year-olds, but only after a specific assessment. Enforcement presents a challenge,though. Many platforms already claim to restrict pre-teens, but these restrictions aren’t always effective.

This measure is one of the most thorough steps taken by a european Union government to limit teen and child social media use. It addresses growing anxieties in an increasingly online world.

According to denmark’s Minister for Digital Affairs, Caroline Stage, 94% of Danish children under 13 have social media profiles, and over half of those under 10 do as well.

“The amount of time they spend online – the exposure to violence and self-harm – is simply too great a risk,” Stage stated. She acknowledged the power of tech companies, saying, “They have an absurd amount of money available, but they’re simply not willing to invest in the safety of our children, invest in the safety of all of us.”

Careful Legislation, No Tech Loopholes

The ban won’t be immediate. lawmakers across the political spectrum, forming a parliamentary majority, will need months to draft and pass the necessary legislation.

“I can assure you that Denmark will hurry, but we won’t do it too quickly as we need to make sure that the regulation is right and that there are no loopholes for tech giants,” Stage explained.