The Norwegian government is moving forward with one of the strictest legislative interventions in Europe regarding the use of social media by minors. According to the announcement, it plans to impose a complete access to social media for children under 16 ban on , with the responsibility for age verification being transferred to the technology platforms themselves.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre presented the initiative as an effort to “reclaim childhood” from the influence of algorithms. As he emphasized, children’s daily lives should not be determined by screens and digital platforms, but by play, social relationships and real-life experience.
From 15 to 16: A weighty political decision
In a previous public consultation in 2025, the government had proposed a minimum age of 15 years. However, after more than 8,000 interventions from citizens and organizations, the policy direction changed.
See also: Australia's social media ban faces questions
Minister for Digitalization Karianne Tung said that the data from the consultation, as well as international developments, led to the adoption of a stricter stance. Thus, Norway chooses to align itself with the Australian model, which already applies a corresponding ban for people under 16 years of age.
The Australian example and the first results
Australia's experience appears to be playing a key role in policymaking. Since the implementation of the relevant legislation in late 2025, more than 4.7 million accounts belonging to minors have been deleted or deactivated.
While these figures are not considered fully representative, they offer the first tangible indication that such bans can have a measurable impact. Norway is closely monitoring developments, seeking to avoid mistakes and adopt best practices.
Age verification technology in the spotlight
A central element of the new legislation is the obligation for platforms to implement reliable age verification systems. Unlike the current practice of self-declaration, the burden is shifted to the companies.
See also: Greece: Social media ban for children under 15
Norway plans to use the digital identity BankID as a key age verification tool, with stiff fines for platforms that fail to comply, potentially reaching up to 20 million Norwegian kroner.
However, technical implementation remains a challenge. VPN use and cross-border access raise serious questions about the effectiveness of enforcement, which, according to the government, requires European coordination .
Exceptions and “gray zones”
Despite the strict nature of the proposal, it will not be applied horizontally to all digital services. Platforms such as online games, e-commerce services and specialized applications will not necessarily fall under the restrictions.
A prime example is Spond, which is used to coordinate sports activities and is expected to be exempt. However, the distinction between social media and other digital services is not always clear, creating a complex regulatory landscape.
Europe is redefining the digital protection of minors
Norway's initiative is part of a broader European trend toward stricter regulation. Countries such as Ireland and France are considering or have already implemented age verification measures , while the European Union's Digital Services Act imposes obligations on platforms to protect minors.
See also: Australia: Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube fail to comply with social media ban for children
At the same time, the Online Safety Act in the United Kingdom sets strict rules to prevent children from accessing harmful content, but without proceeding with a complete ban.
Norway , although outside the EU, seems willing to move more aggressively than the European framework, reflecting growing concern about the effects of social media on children's mental health and development .
The future of children's digital experience
The proposed legislation is not just a technical measure, but a deeper policy statement about how childhood should be shaped in the digital age. The question is whether bans can work effectively or whether a more balanced mix of education, parental guidance and technological regulation.
With the bill expected to be tabled by the end of 2026, the debate is expected to intensify. The only thing certain is that Europe is entering a new phase, where the protection of minors online is becoming a top political priority.
