Background and Context
The Danish government announced on Friday that it will prohibit the use of social media for minors under 15 years old. However, parents will have the authority to permit children aged 13 or older to access certain platforms. This decision comes after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged in her recent inaugural speech to the Parliament for restrictions on social media usage among youngsters due to concerns over their mental health.
Who is Mette Frederiksen?
Mette Frederiksen is the current Prime Minister of Denmark, serving since June 2019. As leader of the Social Democrats party, she has been vocal about addressing issues affecting Danish youth, including mental health and digital well-being.
Key Details of the Ban
The Minister of Digitalization, Caroline Stage Olsen, stated, “Social media thrives by stealing time, childhood, and the well-being of our children, and we are putting an end to this now.” The majority of Parliament parties have shown support for the plan before the formal vote.
Popular Platforms Among Danish Children
The most widely used social media platforms among children in Denmark are Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Time Spent on Social Media
According to a February 2023 analysis by Denmark’s competition and consumer authority, young Danes spend an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes daily on social media platforms.
Following Australia’s Lead
Denmark follows in the footsteps of Australia, which implemented a similar ban on social media for minors under 16 years old last year.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of this ban? The Danish government aims to protect young people’s mental health and well-being by limiting their exposure to social media platforms.
- Which age groups are affected by this ban? The ban applies to minors under 15 years old, with parental permission allowed for children aged 13 to 14.
- Which social media platforms are included in the ban? The most popular platforms among Danish children, such as Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, are covered by this restriction.
- What prompted this decision? Concerns over the mental health of young people and excessive time spent on social media led Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to advocate for restrictions.
- How does Denmark’s ban compare to other countries? Australia implemented a similar ban on social media for minors under 16 years old last year, and Denmark now follows suit.
