Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has triggered a debate after making a striking comparison between children's use of social media and smoking. She argued that society has failed to recognise the scale of harm digital platforms can cause to young people.
A video of Frederiksen speaking at a conference on artificial intelligence and child safety earlier this week has gained widespread attention. In the clip, the Danish leader said that the dangers associated with social media have become so serious that many people still underestimate their impact.
"If I had young children today, I would prefer they smoke rather than be left alone on social media," Frederiksen said.
She quickly added: "But I am the Prime Minister, so I will not say that."
The remark, while controversial, was intended to highlight what she believes is a growing crisis involving children, technology and mental health.
"There's something wrong with us... We still look into old threats, but there's a new one, and it's much more present," she added.
The Danish leader said that digital platforms are shaping the lives of children in ways many adults still struggle to understand. According to her, social media companies have created systems that keep young users engaged for long periods, exposing them to content that can affect their wellbeing and development.
Her comments reflect a bigger debate unfolding across Europe, where policymakers are increasingly questioning whether social media have become a health issue for young people. Concerns over mental health, online abuse and addictive algorithms have pushed several governments towards stricter regulations. Some countries are even considering age-based bans on these platforms.
Denmark has solidified a strict minimum age limit of 15 for social media use. Moving past initial proposals that allowed parental exemptions, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's government will enforce a blanket ban for minors under 15, leveraging advanced age-verification technology to prevent children from bypassing the digital gates.
Critics, however, have questioned Frederiksen's comparison. Some argue that equating social media with smoking goes too far because tobacco is inherently harmful, while digital platforms can also provide educational opportunities, social connections and access to information when used responsibly.
At 48, Frederiksen is one of Europe's most prominent political leaders and is preparing to begin a third term as Denmark's prime minister.
She has led the Nordic nation since 2019 and has become well known internationally for her firm positions on security and foreign policy issues. Frederiksen has been one of Europe's strongest supporters of Ukraine since Russia's invasion in 2022 and has also taken a tough stance against US President Donald Trump's repeated calls for Greenland to come under American control.
Political analysts say her leadership during the Greenland dispute helped strengthen her standing among European allies and contributed to her continued popularity on the international stage.
Now, however, it is her comments on children and social media that have captured global attention. Whether people agree with her comparison or not, Frederiksen's remarks have reignited a wider conversation about how much influence digital platforms should have over young lives and whether governments need to step in more aggressively to protect children online.
