The Danish government is taking efforts to disconnect children from the complex online world with a plan to ban social media among users under 15-years-old.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen presented a bill on the social media ban during her speech at the opening of the Danish Parliament on October 7, underscoring the alarming impacts of mobile phones and various online platforms to one’s childhood.
According to Frederiksen, social media consumption is to be blamed for the rising cases of mental health problems among young people, as well as for their declining reading skills and attention span.
“The reality is that we have let a monster loose,” the Danish Prime Minister told the Parliament.
“Never before have so many children and young people suffered from anxiety and depression.”
She also cited online safety concerns as another rationale behind the proposed legislation, noting that “on screens (children) see things no child or young person should see.”
‘Several’ platforms to be affected
It is hoped the ban could take effect by 2026.
However, as the proposal is still in its early stage, it remains unclear what specific social networks would be affected, although Frederiksen mentioned the plan intends to involve “several” platforms.
Another vague part of the bill is how exactly the ban will be enforced, as timelines for Parliamentary debates and implementations remain indefinite.
During her presentation, the Danish PM said the proposal would allow an exception for children at the age 13 to access social media — if, and only if, their parents permit.
The proposed social media ban comes after the Danish Parliament reached an agreement in September to ban the use of mobile phones at school premises, particularly in classrooms and after-school clubs.
The approved proposal preludes the creation of a law requiring facilities to introduce rules that make them phone-free.
Restrictions must apply to smart phones and other devices with internet access, but tablets or computers that are used for studying are exempt.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: https://newsjustnews.com/nepali-youth-target-jholeys-in-viral-social-media-trend/
Other countries taking aim at social media
Denmark is not the first country to introduce age restrictions for social media use.
On November 16, 2024, the Australian Parliament passed a law banning social media for children under 16 years old, becoming the first country in the world to do so.
Under the approved legislation, Canberra gave platforms such as Facebook, X, Instragram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube one year to deactivate accounts of users under 16, and implement measures to prevent them from creating new accounts and bypass the restrictions.
Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to US$33 million.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian government is also taking steps to introduce a new law setting the age limit for social media use at 15, with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store citing unregulated internet access among children as “one of the most pressing social and cultural challenges of our time.”
READ NEXT: https://newsjustnews.com/mrbeasts-fire-stunt-ignites-debate/
Shameeka Voyiya 
Lucia Caporalini 
Kamille Q. Cabreza