Norway to Introduce Legislation Limiting Children’s Use of Social Networks
Norway intends to introduce a bill to the parliament by the end of the year aimed at restricting children’s access to social networks until the age of 16. The proposed legislation would place responsibility for age verification on technology companies. This move follows similar efforts by several European countries seeking to limit children’s engagement with social networks, mirroring Australia’s recent implementation of a ban for individuals under 16.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere stated, “We are presenting this legislation because we want a childhood where children are children. Play, friendships, and daily life should not be dominated by algorithms and screens.” The government emphasized the importance of safeguarding children’s digital lives, highlighting the potential negative impacts of prolonged social media use. Details regarding specific applications affected by the bill remain unspecified at this time.
The initiative reflects a growing global concern regarding the influence of social networks on young people and seeks to establish clearer guidelines for protecting children’s online experiences. The focus remains on ensuring children can enjoy traditional childhood activities without the pervasive presence of social networks.
Topics: #children #social #networks
