Denmark will ban adults under 15 from logging onto social networking sites, although parents will have discretion to allow access to certain platforms to children over 13, the government said.
Last month, Prime Minister Mete Frederiksen, in a speech to parliament, advocated for restrictions on children’s access to social networks because of concerns about their mental health.
“So-called social networks are flourishing by stealing our children’s time, childhood, and well-being, and we will stop this now,” said Minister for Digitisation Karolene Stange Olsen. Most parties in parliament support the measure.
The platforms most used by minors in Denmark are Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, according to the government. Children spend an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes on social media on a daily basis.
Denmark thus follows the example of other countries, such as Australia, which last year banned access to minors under the age of 16.
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