The Dutch government has advised parents to prohibit children under the age of 15 from using social media apps such as TikTok and Snapchat, becoming the latest in a growing list of countries calling for tighter controls on young people’s digital habits due to rising mental health concerns.
Issued by the Ministry of Health, Wellbeing and Sport, the non-binding guidance highlights the growing impact of digital media on children’s mental health and development. It follows similar moves by Australia, New Zealand, and several European countries that have proposed age-based social media restrictions.
“Intensive screen and social media use can be harmful to the (mental) health and development of children,” the Dutch ministry said in a statement. It cited issues such as sleep disturbances, panic attacks, depression, concentration problems, and low self-esteem as common side effects of excessive digital exposure.
The government recommends a phased approach to digital access. Children should not own smartphones before their final year of primary school — typically aged 11 or 12. From the start of secondary school (around age 12 or 13), the use of messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal is deemed acceptable, but access to social media platforms should be delayed until age 15.
“First learn to communicate via chat, then get acquainted with social media,” the ministry advised.
Additional recommendations include strict screen time limits: no screen time at all for children under the age of two, and a maximum of three hours daily for those over 12. However, the guidance emphasized that managing screen time isn’t only about time limits — it also involves encouraging balanced use, co-viewing with adults, and promoting positive online experiences.
The Dutch guidelines align with a broader European push to address the risks of social media on youth. Greece, France, and Spain are among the countries backing proposals at the European Union level to regulate access. Greece and France have proposed bans on social media for children under 15, while Spain has advocated for raising the age threshold to 16.
A recent report by the children’s advocacy organisation KidsRights described the “unchecked expansion” of social media as a driving force behind a global youth mental health crisis. The report linked heavy internet use with increased rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicide attempts among children and adolescents.
However, the group cautioned against outright bans, warning such measures may infringe on young people’s civil rights, including the right to access information.
Despite the non-mandatory nature of the Dutch recommendations, they mark a growing recognition by governments of the need to balance technological access with child welfare.
