Norway is taking a significant step to protect minors aged 15 and younger from what Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store describes as “harmful content” prevalent on social media platforms. In response to growing concerns about the negative influence of online activity on young users, the Norwegian government has announced plans to raise the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 15. This initiative signals an intensified campaign against major tech companies, as the Prime Minister emphasized the inherent vulnerabilities of young children to the manipulative nature of online algorithms. He stressed that the new regulations aim to restrict these platforms from collecting personal data and to introduce more rigorous controls, specifically targeting the perils that social media poses to minors.
Data from Norway’s media authority reveals that even with a minimum age requirement of 13, more than half of the country’s nine-year-olds are using social media. This stark reality has prompted Store to call for protective measures, asserting the necessity of safeguarding children from the insidious effects of social media exposure. In statements made to local news outlet VG, Store emphasized that policy intervention is critical to address this growing concern, which he characterized as an “uphill battle” against powerful tech forces that operate in the social media landscape.
While acknowledging that social media can provide a sense of belonging for isolated children, Store voiced concern regarding the manipulation of young users by the industry. He expressed worries that the rapid pace of content delivery on screens diminishes children’s ability to think critically, urging a shift to protect their developmental wellbeing. Families Minister Kjersti Toppe reinforced this sentiment, articulating the necessity for legislative changes that would empower parents to make informed decisions regarding their children’s online activity. She indicated that many parents feel overwhelmed in their attempts to manage technology’s pervasive presence in their children’s lives, underlining the importance of creating supportive legislation.
Similar initiatives are emerging internationally, with multiple countries like France, the United States, and Australia pursuing regulations aimed at filtering inappropriate content and reducing screen addiction among youth. Notably, in France, approximately 200 schools have begun trialing a “digital break,” where students under 15 are prohibited from using smartphones during class hours. This progressive move highlights a growing recognition of the potential dangers that unrestricted access to technology poses for children and seeks to mitigate them through structured interventions.
In Russia, the recent implementation of restrictions has prohibited students from using mobile phones in academic settings, allowing exceptions only in emergencies affecting health or safety. Such measures reflect a broader global trend toward prioritizing the mental health and safety of minors in the face of the digital age’s challenges. This wave of regulatory frameworks, including Norway’s proposed changes, points to a collective acknowledgment of technology’s dual role as both a tool for connection and a potential source of detrimental effects on young, impressionable minds.
As Norwegian policy-makers seek to instigate these new regulations, the focus remains steadfastly on creating an environment where children’s online experiences are both safe and nurturing. The proposed amendments to the Personal Data Act and the introduction of structured age verification systems serve to reinforce a commitment to child safety in the digital realm. Ultimately, Store’s initiative showcases Norway’s proactive stance in navigating the complexities of modern technology, prioritizing the wellbeing of the nation’s children against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.