### Denmark's Bold Initiative: Proposing a Social Media Ban for Children Under 15 Denmark is taking significant steps to address the impact of social media on youth by proposing a nationwide ban on social media usage for children under the age of 15. This initiative, announced by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, aims to protect childhood and improve mental health among young people. The proposal comes amid growing concerns about the negative effects of social media on children's development, including issues related to anxiety, depression, and concentration [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/07/danish-pm-plans-to-ban-social-media-for-under-15s-warning-it-is-stealing-childhood]. ### Structure of the Proposal and Its Implications 1. **Legislative Framework**: The proposed legislation will restrict social media access for children under 15, with potential allowances for parental consent for those aged 13 and above [https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/denmark-plans-social-media-ban-for-children-under-15-82263.htm]. 2. **Rationale Behind the Ban**: Prime Minister Frederiksen has articulated that prolonged social media use has detrimental effects on children's reading skills and concentration, stating that "on screens they see things no child or young person should see" [https://www.firstpost.com/world/we-have-unleashed-a-monster-denmark-mulls-plan-to-ban-social-media-for-under-15s-13940261.html]. 3. **Comparative Context**: Denmark's move follows similar initiatives in other countries, such as Australia, which have tightened digital safety laws to address mental health concerns related to screen time [https://www.expatgo.com/my/2025/10/09/denmark-moves-to-ban-social-media-for-kids-under-15]. 4. **Implementation Challenges**: While the proposal has garnered attention, details on how the ban will be enforced and which specific platforms will be affected remain unclear [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/denmark-ban-social-media-under-15-5388626]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Mental Health Statistics**: Research indicates a correlation between social media use and increased rates of anxiety and depression among youth. The Danish government cites these concerns as a primary motivation for the proposed ban [https://www.rt.com/news/626077-denmark-ban-social-media-minors]. - **International Trends**: Denmark joins a growing list of countries considering similar restrictions, reflecting a global trend towards prioritizing children's mental health in the digital age [https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/10/08/denmarks-plan-to-ban-social-media-for-teens-under-15]. ### Conclusion: A Step Towards Protecting Childhood In summary, Denmark's proposal to ban social media for children under 15 is a proactive measure aimed at safeguarding the mental health and well-being of its youth. The initiative is grounded in concerns over the adverse effects of social media on children's development and reflects a broader international movement towards enhancing digital safety for minors. 1. **Legislative Action**: The Danish government is poised to implement a ban on social media for users under 15. 2. **Mental Health Focus**: The initiative is driven by concerns over the psychological impact of social media on children. 3. **Global Context**: Denmark's proposal aligns with similar actions taken by other nations to protect youth from digital harm. 4. **Future Considerations**: The effectiveness of the ban will depend on clear implementation strategies and enforcement mechanisms. This comprehensive approach underscores Denmark's commitment to fostering a healthier environment for its younger generations in an increasingly digital world [https://abc7.com/post/denmark-proposes-banning-social-media-kids-15/17966633].