Dutch government advises parents to restrict social media use for children under 15

The Dutch government has issued new guidance advising parents not to allow children under 15 to use platforms like TikTok and Instagram, citing health concerns and calling for limits on screen time.

The Dutch government has advised parents not to permit children under the age of 15 to use social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The advisory, issued by the health ministry, cites psychological and physical issues among children—including panic attacks, depression, and sleep difficulties—as reasons for the recommendation.

The government also encouraged parents to limit the time children spend using electronic devices, keep phones and laptops out of bedrooms, and promote a routine of 20 minutes of screen time followed by two hours of outdoor play. The aim, according to caretaker deputy minister for youth and sport Vincent Karremans, is to give children time to develop digital resilience and media literacy.

Karremans is one of several ministers remaining in office after the Dutch government’s recent collapse, ahead of elections scheduled for October.

While both TikTok and Instagram require users to be at least 13 years old, the Dutch guidelines—though not legally binding—distinguish between “social media” platforms and “social interaction platforms” such as WhatsApp and Signal. The government stated that social media sites contain “significantly more addictive design features” that negatively impact children. According to the guidelines, messaging services may be used from age 13, which is when most Dutch children enter secondary school.

Internationally, Australia became the first country to ban children under 16 from using social media in 2023. Denmark and France are considering similar legislation, while Sweden has issued recommendations to limit children’s screen time.

A group of experts commissioned by the Dutch parliament found that intense screen time and social media use can result in physical and psychological problems in children. Dutch schools have implemented bans on the use of tablets, cell phones, and smart watches by students, except in cases such as media literacy classes.

In May, approximately 1,400 doctors and child welfare experts in the Netherlands signed a public letter urging the government to ban cell phones for children under 14 and to restrict social media use until age 16. In February, Dutch Queen Máxima revealed her youngest daughter developed eyesight problems from excessive use of mobile devices.

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