Sweden Proposes Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

Sweden has proposed a ban on social media access for children under 15 as part of efforts to protect young people from the negative effects of excessive internet use.

A government-appointed commission made the recommendation on Tuesday, proposing that the new rule take effect on January 1, 2028.

The proposed restriction will apply to major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube.

Speaking at a press conference, Sweden’s Public Health Minister, Jakob Forssmed, warned about the impact of social media on young people.

“We are in the process of losing an entire generation to endless scrolling,” he said.

Sweden Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-15s (NewsCentral TV) — Social Media. Credit: Manila Standard.

The commission was established in 2025 to examine whether Sweden should introduce a minimum age requirement for social media use.

Commission chair Lisa Englund Krafft recommended setting the age limit at 15 and requiring social media companies to verify users’ ages before granting access. However, popular video games such as Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite would not be affected by the proposal. Sweden joins a growing number of countries looking to tighten regulations on children’s online activity.

In December 2025, Australia became the first country to introduce a nationwide social media ban for children, noting concerns about mental health and online safety.

Countries including Brazil and Indonesia have also introduced similar measures, while several European nations are exploring their own restrictions.

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Deborah Akwa

Deborah Akwa is a content writer with over four years of experience creating brand stories, editorial content, and audience-focused articles on topics like health, lifestyle, and entertainment.

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