Norway is considering raising the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 15 years old, as reported by local media. This proposal is anticipated to gain majority support in the Norwegian Parliament.
Currently, the age limit for social media usage in Norway is set at 13 years. Under privacy laws, children aged 13 and older can independently decide whether to allow social media platforms to use their personal data. The Norwegian government plans to amend these laws to raise the age for consenting to data use to 15, thereby imposing tighter restrictions on minors’ use of social media.
Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) reported comments from Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who acknowledged the challenges of implementing such a policy, citing significant opposition. He emphasized that the government is aiming for a stricter, more absolute age limit, with future verification of users’ ages potentially done through electronic identity authentication.
“This policy sends a strong message to society,” Støre stated. “Children must be protected from harmful content on social media, and we cannot allow tech giants to influence their minds.” Reports indicate that the proposal is expected to receive majority support in Parliament.
Kjersti Toppe, Norway’s Minister of Children and Families, mentioned that discussions are ongoing regarding how to implement this policy, and they will seek advice from the European Union, which may provide effective solutions.
Strongly supportive parents’ groups within Norway are advocating for an increase in the age limit to 16 years, having gathered over 11,000 signatures in support of their petition. These groups believe the new policy could significantly change children’s lives for the better.
One supporter remarked, “The disadvantages of social media outweigh its benefits. Social media is not a human right. If children can be kept away from it, their lives will improve. This policy is crucial; adults should work together to give children’s childhood back to them.”
However, opponents argue that many public discussions and information exchanges occur on social media, raising concerns about how the government will strike a balance between protecting children and facilitating public discourse. Many children use social media to stay connected with friends and learn new things, and imposing an age limit might hinder their ability to participate equally in social matters.
Despite the current 13-year-old restriction, a report by VG indicates that 53% of 9-year-olds, 58% of 10-year-olds, and 72% of 11-year-olds in Norway are already using social media platforms.
