New law to require parental approval from age 13
Denmark is set to ban social media use for minors under 15, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced during the opening session of Parliament, in a move aimed at protecting children from digital overexposure.
“The government will propose to ban many social networking sites for children and young people under 15,” Frederiksen said, stressing the need to reclaim childhood from online distractions.
The proposed legislation — to be introduced soon — will allow parental consent for children aged 13 and above to access platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Frederiksen argued that smartphones and social networks are “stealing our children’s childhood”, noting that 60% of boys aged 11–19 prefer staying at home rather than going out with friends.
Although the government has not detailed how enforcement will work, Denmark’s plan mirrors Australia’s 2024 law, which barred users under 16 from accessing major social media platforms.
