November 8, 2025 | 02:02 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Danish government has reached an agreement to implement a minimum age requirement of 15 years old on certain social media platforms, it announced on Friday.
The move follows Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's call for restrictions on children's use of social media in her opening speech to Parliament last month, due to concerns over youth mental health. A majority of parties in parliament said they would support the plan.
"As one of the first countries in the EU, Denmark is now taking a groundbreaking step towards introducing age limits on social media," said the country's digitalization ministry in a statement. "This is done to protect children and young people in the digital world."
"As a starting point, children under the age of 15 should not have access to platforms that may expose them to harmful content or harmful features," the statement said.
The ministry did not specify which social media platforms are affected or how the ban will be enforced.
However, exceptions can be made if parents believe their child should have access to social media at an earlier age. According to the statement, parents will have the opportunity to consent to their children's access, if their children are as young as 13.
What other activities are planned?
The agreement also envisages allocating 160 million Danish kroner (€21.4 million; $24.8 million) to 14 initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection of children and young people online and creating a better framework for their digital lives.
As part of the agreement, EU's Digital Services Act supervision will be strengthened, and funds will be allocated to support the development of alternative social media platforms. Additionally, extra efforts will be made to combat illegal marketing by influencers, the statement mentioned.
A coalition of lawmakers "are making it clear that children should not be left alone in a digital world where harmful content and commercial interests are too much a part of shaping their everyday lives and childhoods," the ministry said.
"Children and young people have their sleep disrupted, lose their peace and concentration, and experience increasing pressure from digital relationships where adults are not always present," it said. "This is a development that no parent, teacher or educator can stop alone."
"Denmark is now leading the way in Europe with a national age limit for social media and a concerted effort to strengthen the digital wellbeing of children and young people," Digitalization Minister Caroline Stage said.
"We are taking a necessary stand against a development where large tech platforms have had free rein in children's rooms for far too long."
Australia leads the world in banning social media for children
This Danish plan follows Australia's lead. In December, Australia is set to become the first country to ban social media for children, setting the minimum age at 16.
In September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told a United Nations forum in New York that she was "inspired" by Australia's "common sense" decision to enact age restrictions.
The legislation subjects social media platforms to fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (€30 million; $32.3 million) for allowing children under 16 to create accounts.
On Wednesday, Australia announced that it had added the message board Reddit and the livestreaming service Kick to its list of social media platforms that must prohibit children under 16 from having accounts.
These platforms will join Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, and YouTube in facing a world-first legal obligation to shut down accounts belonging to younger Australian children on December 10, according to Communications Minister Anika Wells.
Editor’s Choice: Afghanistan Restricts Access to Social Media on Smartphones
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Over Half a Billion Children Live in Conflict Zones: Report
3 hari lalu
Roughly 520 million children, or one in five kids worldwide, were living in conflict zones in 2024, according to a new report from Save the Children.
KPAI Uncovers Potential Sexual Abuse by Police Against Minors in Magelang
3 hari lalu
KPAI has discovered potential sexual abuse by police officers against minors who were victims of wrongful arrest in Magelang.
Australia's Brightest Full Moon in November 2025: Everything You Need to Know
3 hari lalu
Australia is set for the year's brightest full moon, the "Beaver Moon," visible from early evening on November 5. Here's everything you need to know.
Today's Top 3 News: List of ASEAN Member Countries, from Founders to Newest Addition
9 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
BGN Denies Rp5 Million Reward for Kitchens Promoting Positive MBG Content
9 hari lalu
"That matter is beyond my authority because I never made such a policy," Head of National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana said,
Australia Trials AI to Decode Gen Z Slang in Predator Cases
9 hari lalu
Australian police are testing software that can interpret emojis and youth slang used in encrypted chats by online offenders.
Top 10 Universities in Australia for Academic Excellence and Career Success
9 hari lalu
Celebrated for their academic rigor and innovation, the best universities in Australia inspire future leaders to drive global progress and change.
Australia Invests Rp13 Billion to Help Reduce Indonesia's Plastic Waste
10 hari lalu
Australia, through the IPPIN program, has allocated approximately Rp13 billion for innovative plastic waste reduction in Indonesia.
Australia Begins Transferring Immigrants to Nauru Under Controversial Deal
10 hari lalu
Australia has begun transferring immigrants to the remote Pacific island nation of Nauru under a controversial agreement signed earlier this year.
7 Best Libraries in Sydney You Must Visit
11 hari lalu
Many of the best libraries in Sydney are now the prime spots for people to read, learn, and connect, all while being surrounded by modern facilities.
