The government of Norway has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from using social media, joining a growing global push to regulate youth access to digital platforms and protect mental wellbeing.
Officials confirmed that a bill will be presented to parliament before the end of 2026, placing responsibility on technology companies to enforce strict age verification systems. The move mirrors the pioneering step taken by Australia, which introduced a world-first ban on under-16 social media use in December 2025.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the policy is aimed at preserving childhood experiences in an increasingly digital world. “We are introducing this legislation because we want a childhood where children get to be children,” he said, adding that “play, friendships, and everyday life must not be taken over by algorithms and screens.”
The proposed law is expected to cover major platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and X, although authorities have yet to publish a definitive list. Under the framework, tech companies—not users or parents—will bear the legal burden of ensuring compliance through effective age verification systems.
Norway’s Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, Karianne Tung, reinforced this position, stating that responsibility cannot fall on children alone. “Children cannot be left with the responsibility for staying away from platforms they are not allowed to use,” she said, stressing that companies “must implement effective age verification and comply with the law from day one.”
The proposal comes amid increasing global concern over the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, safety, and development. Governments across Europe, Asia, and the Americas are considering similar restrictions, with countries such as France, Denmark, and Spain exploring age limits, while others are introducing parental controls and usage curbs.
Australia’s earlier ban, which imposes heavy fines on companies that fail to prevent underage access, has become a reference point for policymakers worldwide, though enforcement challenges remain a subject of debate among tech firms and regulators.
