Danish government sends proposal for 15-year social media age limit out for consultation

Denmark’s government will send a proposal for a 15-year minimum age for social media use out for consultation on Monday.

Digitalization Minister Christina Egelund said the age limit would not only restrict some use, but also help shift social norms by delaying children’s and young people’s introduction to social media. The government plans to submit the bill to the Folketing in early 2027, with the measure scheduled to take effect on July 1 that year.

The previous SVM government reached an agreement on a 15-year age limit in November last year. That agreement allowed parents to authorize social media use for children as young as 13. The new proposal removes that option, Politiken reported.

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An age limit of course puts a stop to some use, but it should in reality also contribute to a change in norms, so that children and young people’s debut on social media is postponed.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said when the earlier agreement was presented that she hoped it would send a clear signal that society needed to protect children and young people better. The Socialist People’s Party had criticized the parental exemption and did not join the original agreement.

A broad majority now appears to support the proposal, with Venstre and the Conservatives joining the government parties in the agreement. The plan targets potentially harmful content and addictive behavior on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Although most platforms already set age limits, they are often not enforced. EU Commission guidelines adopted last July made it possible for Denmark to set a national age limit, while Spain, Portugal and Norway are also working on similar legislation.

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I hope that we as a society will send a clear signal that children and young people need to be better protected.