Background on the Danish Government’s Decision
The Danish government announced on Friday that it will prohibit the use of social media for minors under 15 years old. However, parents can authorize children aged 13 or older to access certain platforms.
Context and Relevance
This decision comes after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged in her inaugural speech to the Parliament last month to restrict social media usage among young people due to concerns over their mental health.
Key Details of the New Policy
Caroline Stage Olsen, the Minister of Digitalization, stated, “The so-called social media thrive by stealing the time, childhood, and wellbeing of our children, and we are putting an end to this now.”
Most Parliament parties have shown support for the plan before the formal vote.
Popular Platforms Among Danish Children
The most widely used social media platforms by children in Denmark are Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, according to the government.
Time Spent on Social Media
An analysis by Denmark’s competition and consumer authority in February revealed that Danish youth spend an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes daily on social media.
Comparison with Australia’s Policy
Denmark follows in the footsteps of Australia, which banned social media for minors under 16 last year.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the minimum age for social media use in Denmark? Minors under 15 are prohibited from using social media, except with parental authorization for those aged 13 or older.
- Which social media platforms are most popular among Danish children? Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are the most widely used platforms.
- How much time do Danish children spend on social media daily? On average, Danish youth spend 2 hours and 40 minutes on social media each day.
- Which country has a similar policy to Denmark? Australia implemented a comparable policy, prohibiting social media for minors under 16.
