Sweden considers banning social media for children under 15

Sweden is considering a significant restriction on social media access for minors, with a government-appointed commission recommending an age limit of 15 years. This proposal aims to curb the negative effects of constant scrolling on young people's well-being.

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The reasons for introducing an age limit outweigh the benefits resulting from continued free access to this type of media.

Investigator Lisa Englund Krafftová stated that the reasons for implementing an age limit outweigh the benefits of continued free access to these platforms. The commission suggests that social media companies themselves should bear the responsibility for verifying users' ages. Currently, the age limit for using social media without parental consent in Sweden is 13.

Minister of Health Jakob Forssmed emphasized the urgency of the issue, declaring, "We are losing an entire generation to endless scrolling." He described the impact of screens and social media on children's health as one of "our greatest challenges of our time."

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We are losing an entire generation to endless scrolling.

This move by Sweden aligns with a broader trend in Europe, where several countries are contemplating similar age restrictions for social media use. Neighboring Norway, for instance, announced in April its intention to propose a ban on social media access for children under 16.

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Screens and social media and their impact on the health of children and youth are one of the greatest challenges of our time.