Source: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2026-06-02/sweden-weighs-social-media-age-limit-of-15
Sweden is considering introducing a minimum age of 15 for social media use, following growing concerns about the impact of social media and excessive screen use on children and teenagers.
A government-appointed commission has recommended the age limit, arguing that the potential risks to young people outweigh the benefits of unrestricted access. Under the proposal, social media platforms would be responsible for verifying users’ ages, rather than placing the responsibility entirely on parents or children.
Sweden currently allows children from the age of 13 to create social media accounts with parental consent. The proposed change would therefore represent a significant shift in how young people access social platforms.
The recommendation forms part of a wider European debate about children’s use of social media. Australia introduced a ban on social media for under-16s in 2025, while Norway is preparing legislation that could restrict access for under-16s. Other European countries are also considering similar measures.
Sweden has already introduced broader measures aimed at reducing young people’s screen use. These include recommended limits on recreational screen time, keeping digital devices out of bedrooms at night and a nationwide smartphone ban in schools for pupils up to around age 15–16.
The debate reflects growing concern about how constant scrolling, social media and digital habits may affect children’s wellbeing and everyday lives. At the same time, questions remain about how age restrictions would be implemented, how age verification would protect privacy, and how effectively such rules could be enforced.
For Sweden, the proposed age limit is another step in an increasingly international discussion about where to draw the line between children’s access to digital platforms, online safety, parental responsibility and the responsibilities of technology companies.