Norway Aims To Introduce Social Media Ban For Under-16s

STOCKHOLM, April 24 (Bernama-dpa) -- Norway plans to ban teenagers and children under the age of 16 from accessing social media, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told the NTB news agency on Friday, as the Nordic country becomes the latest to follow in Australia's footsteps, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

A legislative proposal is set to be introduced in parliament by the end of the year, Støre said, adding that he has thought about a social media ban since his first day as prime minister.

Under the plans, teenagers will be allowed to use platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok from January 1 of the year they turn 16.

The proposal echoes a similar move by Australia, which became the first country to restrict social media access for under-16s in December.

The move ignited similar debates across the globe, amid increasing concerns about the effects of social media on children's mental and emotional well-being.

The safety of children and young people is "one of the top priorities in the government's plan for Norway," said Støre.

On Thursday, lawmakers in Turkey voted in favour of banning teenagers under the age of 15 from accessing social media.

The restrictions are set to come into force in six months after a new law is signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

-- BERNAMA-dpa