Norway is moving forward with plans to ban social media for under-15s, with legislation expected to reach parliament soon after consultation closed in October 2025.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre: “These are big tech giants pitted against small children’s brains. We know that this is an uphill battle, because there are strong forces here, but it is also where politics is needed.”
Why Norway’s Current Age 13 Limit Isn’t Working
Norway already has a minimum age of 13 for social media, same as most platforms and European countries. The problem? Nobody enforces it.
Research from Norway’s Media Authority found:
- 53% of 9-year-olds use social media
- 58% of 10-year-olds use social media
- 72% of 11-year-olds use social media
Among 9-year-olds, 87% are allowed to use YouTube, 16% use TikTok, and 11% use Snapchat. These aren’t children sneaking onto platforms—these are children whose parents have given permission because “everyone else has it.”
What’s Actually Changing
The current age 13 minimum exists but isn’t enforced. Norway will amend the Personal Data Act to require age 15 for data consent and implement age verification using BankID—Norway’s digital identity system already used for banking, buying alcohol, and government services.
The key difference: platforms must verify age through BankID before allowing account creation. No more self-declared birthdays during signup.
The law also applies to any service collecting personal data—Netflix, streaming services, not just social media.
Why Age 15 Instead of 13
Algorithms. Prime Minister Støre argues social media platforms “make users single-minded and pacified” through algorithm-driven content designed to maximise engagement, not support genuine self-expression.
The data: 51% of children saw frightening or violent content in 2022, rising to 56% in 2024.
The government believes two extra years of maturity make a difference in how children process what they see online.
Will This Work?
Challenges: VPNs can mask location, international platforms don’t have to follow Norwegian law, parents may help children bypass restrictions.
Why Norway might succeed: BankID is already widely used and trusted, 75% of Norwegians support electronic age verification, and parliamentary backing exists. But as Minister of Digitalisation Karianne Tung acknowledged, “there are no fully effective solutions for age verification” yet. Norway will work with EU countries to develop them.
Where Norway Is in the Process
October 2024: Government announced intention to raise age from 13 to 15
June 2025: Formal consultation proposal submitted to parliament
October 2025: Public consultation period closed (received 15,000+ submissions)
Now: Government reviewing feedback before parliamentary vote
Next: Legislation expected to reach parliament soon, with strong parliamentary backing already in place
Who Else Is Watching
Norway will promote this approach within the EU. Minister Kjersti Toppe: “Parents cannot stand alone in the face of the technology giants.”
Other countries: Australia (age 16 ban), France (mobile phone bans in schools), UK (Online Safety Act with age verification), US states Utah and Florida (similar laws, facing legal challenges).
What This Means for Parents
If enforcement works: under-15s can’t create social media accounts, existing accounts may require parental verification, streaming services like Netflix may also require age verification.
Some parents will welcome legal backing (“it’s illegal until you’re 15” ends negotiation). Others will find workarounds because social exclusion feels worse than platform risks.
The Bottom Line
Norway is betting age verification through BankID can work where platform self-regulation has failed. With consultation closed and parliamentary support in place, the law could pass within months.
Success depends on three things: Can BankID prevent under-15 access? Will the EU coordinate enforcement? Will parents support it or help children bypass it?
Other countries are watching closely. If Norway succeeds, expect more European countries to follow. If it fails, the “voluntary self-regulation” model stays.
Source: Norwegian Government
