Sweden weighs social media age limits amid gang violence
Rising violence prompts Sweden to consider Australia’s ban on social media for minors under 16 as a potential solution.
The Swedish government is exploring age restrictions on social media platforms to combat the rising problem of gangs recruiting children online for violent crimes. Officials warn that platforms like TikTok and Snapchat are being used to lure minors—some as young as 11—into carrying out bombings and shootings, contributing to Sweden‘s status as the European country with the highest per capita rate of deadly shootings. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer emphasised the seriousness of the issue and urged social media companies to take concrete action.
Swedish police report that the number of children under 15 involved in planning murders has tripled compared to last year, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Education Minister Johan Pehrson noted the government’s interest in measures such as Australia’s recent ban on social media for children under 16, stating that no option is off the table. Officials also expressed frustration at the slow progress by tech companies in curbing harmful content.
Representatives from platforms like TikTok, Meta, and Google attended a recent Nordic meeting to address the issue, pledging to help combat online recruitment. However, Telegram and Signal were notably absent. The government has warned that stronger regulations could follow if the tech industry fails to deliver meaningful results.
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