Norway Plans Bold Social Media Ban for Under-16s in Major Child Safety Crackdown
Norway is preparing to introduce legislation that would ban social media use for children under the age of 16, in what officials describe as a major step to strengthen child protection and digital safeguarding.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said the proposed law is aimed at ensuring children are not exposed too early to algorithm-driven platforms that can dominate attention and influence behaviour. He said childhood should focus on play, friendships, and everyday development rather than constant online engagement.
Under the proposed rules, technology companies would be responsible for enforcing age verification to prevent underage users from accessing social media platforms. The government says the measure is intended to shift responsibility away from children and place it on platforms to ensure compliance from the outset.
Digitalisation Minister Karianne Tung said children should not be expected to navigate complex systems designed for adults, stressing that companies must implement effective safeguards if they operate in the country.
The proposal comes as several countries across Europe and beyond introduce or consider similar age restrictions, alongside wider efforts to regulate children’s online safety. Norwegian authorities also pointed to existing measures, including screen-time guidance and mobile-free school policies, as part of a broader strategy to reduce digital exposure among minors.
If passed, the legislation would make Norway one of the latest countries to formally restrict social media access for under-16s as governments respond to growing concerns about child safety in digital environments.
