“Automotive Social Media Marketing” by socialautomotive is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The prime minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, has brought a proposal to ban social media for teenagers under 15 years old.

According to a CNN article, this proposal comes from what Frederiksen believes social media is doing, saying “social media is stealing our children’s childhood.”

This is an ongoing trend across the world. For example, a law was passed in Australia in November of 2023, which set a restriction of social media for teens younger than 16.

The CNN article also stated, “Frederiksen also cited statistics showing that 60% of boys aged 11 to 19 don’t physically see a single friend in their free time over the course of a week.”

Denmark lawmakers previously passed a law banning cell phone usage during school hours.

WJPS teacher Ms. Cicillini said, “Social media shouldn’t be limited. I think it limits free speech, and parents should limit the use if they want.”

WJPS teacher Ms. Mills said, “I understand why they would want a ban of social media, but I think it’s ultimately up to the parent how much social media they allow their children to consume.”