Norway's 16-year age limit for social media unlikely to protect children, expert warns

Norway's proposed 16-year age limit for social media use is unlikely to shield children from the digital world, according to technology and strategy advisor Silvija Seres. She contends that the law's premise, that the digital realm can be kept separate from childhood, is flawed, as online interactions are already deeply woven into children's social lives, schooling, and culture.

Instead of isolation, Seres argues, children require guidance to understand and navigate the digital landscape while adults remain closely involved. She draws a parallel to Meta's legal troubles in the U.S., where 29 states accuse the company of designing Facebook and Instagram to be addictive for young users, a claim Meta denies. This case highlights how platforms monetize attention, with every minute generating more ads and data for personalized recommendations.

Seres points to Australia's experience, where a similar age limit introduced in December 2025 saw platforms report millions of account closures. However, subsequent surveys revealed that over 80 percent of Australian children under 16 continued to use social media, often by stating a higher age, getting help with age verification, or moving to unregulated platforms.

Implementing a strict age control relies on technical verification, which has proven weak. Seres warns that such measures could lead to a sophisticated identity verification system that children learn to bypass, creating a false sense of security for parents and allowing continued use with less adult oversight. She emphasizes that social media has become an integral part of youth's social infrastructure, connecting them through group chats and social events.