NORWAY BANS SOCIAL MEDIA FOR UNDER-16S

The restriction addresses mounting evidence of negative health effects from social media use among minors. Research indicates millions of children in the US already experience documented harms, from mental health issues to addiction patterns. Experts argue existing safeguards are insufficient. Ravi Iyer, Managing Director at USC Marshall School Neely Center, notes that social media's addictive design poses systemic risks comparable to other regulated substances. Some researchers propose treating social media regulation similarly to cigarette controls—requiring age verification, usage limits, and accountability measures. Norway joins a growing list of nations reconsidering tech policy for minors. The ban signals a shift toward legislative intervention as platforms face criticism for prioritizing engagement over user welfare. Platforms typically rely on age-of-service terms rather than technical enforcement, making compliance verification challenging. Norway's implementation approach will influence similar efforts globally.