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Norway is set to introduce a sweeping new law that would restrict children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, in what authorities describe as a bold step to protect childhood from excessive digital influence.
The proposal, expected to take effect later in 2026, places the burden of enforcement on tech companies, requiring them to implement strict age-verification systems.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre explained that the decision is driven by growing concerns over the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and development.
According to him, childhood should be shaped by real-life experiences rather than constant interaction with screens and algorithms.
He stressed that playtime, friendships, and physical social interaction must remain central to a child’s growth.
The planned legislation reflects a wider global shift, as governments across Europe and beyond begin to tighten regulations around children’s online activities.
Countries such as France, Spain, and Denmark have already indicated similar intentions, while others like Australia and Turkey have introduced measures aimed at limiting underage exposure to social media. At the regional level, the European Commission has also developed an age-verification application designed to support enforcement across member states.
Norway’s Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, Karianne Tung, made it clear that responsibility will not fall on children or parents alone.
Instead, technology companies will be expected to take full accountability by ensuring their platforms comply with the new rules from the outset. She emphasized that it is unrealistic to expect children to self-regulate in a digital environment designed to keep users engaged.
Authorities also pointed to earlier initiatives, including national guidelines on screen time and recommendations for mobile-free school environments, which have already contributed to a decline in smartphone ownership and social media usage among younger children. These efforts are seen as laying the groundwork for the stricter measures now being proposed.
Supporters of the policy argue that it could help reduce issues such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and addiction to online platforms.
However, critics have raised concerns about enforcement challenges and the potential for children to bypass restrictions using alternative methods.
Despite the debate, Norway appears determined to push forward, positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to redefine how young people interact with technology.
If successfully implemented, the policy could serve as a model for other nations grappling with the growing influence of social media on children’s lives.
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