Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has announced a bold new initiative: a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 15. The proposed legislation, unveiled this week, is aimed at tackling a growing mental health crisis among Danish youth.

Speaking during a press briefing in Copenhagen, Frederiksen said the government can no longer ignore the rising rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among children and teenagers trends that have accelerated in recent years and are widely linked to social media use.

“Our children are growing up in a digital world that’s affecting their well-being in ways we can no longer accept,” Frederiksen stated. “We have a responsibility to create boundaries that protect their minds and their futures.”

The proposed ban would restrict access to popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook for users under 15 years old. While specific enforcement mechanisms have yet to be detailed, government officials suggest age verification tools and parental oversight could be central to the rollout.

A Continuation of Denmark’s Digital Policy

The plan builds on Denmark’s earlier education reform that banned mobile phones in primary schools, a policy that received broad support from educators and parents for helping restore focus and in-person interaction in classrooms.

Frederiksen’s government is positioning this latest move as a natural progression in its mission to reclaim childhood from the grip of digital overstimulation.

Critics Raise Questions

While many parents and child development advocates have praised the announcement, critics argue that enforcement will be difficult and that education, not prohibition, is the better approach.

Privacy advocates also warn that any mandatory age verification system could infringe on civil liberties if not implemented carefully.

Despite these concerns, public sentiment in Denmark appears largely in favor of stronger protections for children online. Recent surveys have shown growing concern over the impact of social media on children’s mental and emotional development.

If passed, Denmark would become one of the first countries in the European Union and possibly the world to implement a national social media age restriction law of this kind.