KABUL: Caroline Steig, Denmark’s Minister of Digital Affairs, announced that the government has decided to restrict access to social media for adolescents under the age of 15, The Associated Press reported on Friday night.
According to the report, this measure has been taken amid growing concerns about children being overwhelmed by a technology-driven world filled with harmful content for youth, which is also commercially beneficial for platform owners.
While it remains unclear how and when this initiative will be implemented, it will undoubtedly increase pressure on major tech platform operators.
The Minister of Digital Affairs stated that the amount of time children spend online—and the levels of violence and self-harm they are exposed to in the virtual space—pose a significant risk to their well-being.
However, it is expected that after thorough reviews, some permissions may be granted to teenagers over 13 for using certain platforms.
This decision comes as experts in education and child development argue that the content shared on social media is often unsuitable for children who cannot effectively differentiate, analyze, or interpret it, potentially leaving lasting negative impacts on their mental health.