'I'd Prefer My Kids Smoking': Danish PM's Viral Social Media Warning Splits The Internet

Key points

• 'I'd Prefer My Kids Smoking': Danish PM's Viral Social Media Warning Splits The Internet Written By, Last Updated: June 03, 2026, 20:14 IST Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she would rather have her kids smoking than allow them to stay on their own on social media Under Frederiksen’s leadership, Denmark has emerged as one of Europe’s most vocal proponents for limiting corporate tech influence over minors.
• File pic/AP Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has ignited an intense global debate after a video resurfaced of her remarks comparing children’s social media consumption to the hazards of tobacco use.
• Speaking at a high-level international conference on artificial intelligence (AI) and child safety, the 48-year-old leader delivered a stark ultimatum on the digital risks confronting the younger generation.
• “If I had small kids today, I would rather have them smoking than allow them to stay on their own on social media," Frederiksen...