European leaders push for restricting social networks for under-15s

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo of the National Coalition Party has voiced his support for introducing a ban on social media use for teenagers younger than 15.

He argued that excessive time spent on social platforms often prevents young people from participating in sports or other physical activities, according to Finnish media.

“For this reason, I take the proposal to prohibit social media access for those under 15 very seriously. The amount of time children spend on screens is directly linked to how active they are physically,” Orpo said.

He added that a number of broader societal challenges, including the increase in mental health conditions among young people, are connected to whether children have opportunities to engage in sports.

“I am deeply worried about the low levels of physical activity among children and adolescents, and about how widespread this problem has become,” he noted.

According to Orpo, both families and children should be encouraged to live more active lives. “I believe boosting physical activity and expanding participation in hobbies must be central priorities, but screen time is the main factor stopping children from pursuing such activities,” he emphasised.

Australia recently became the first country to adopt a comprehensive ban on social media access for individuals under 16, and a number of European states are studying similar measures. Norway and Denmark, for example, are considering prohibiting social network use for teenagers under 15.

Comparable discussions are ongoing across Europe. In the United Kingdom, the government is examining a ban for those under 16. As Bloomberg reported, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has endorsed the idea, citing the negative impact of social media on young people’s well-being and cognitive development. He said Prime Minister Keir Starmer has instructed officials to review Australia’s model, where strict age limits are already in force.

Australia earlier became the first democratic country to mandate that platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok block access for users under 16 or face substantial financial penalties. Authorities in Denmark and Germany have also indicated their readiness to move toward comparable restrictions.

By Tamilla Hasanova