![\"Norway](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130506973,imgsize-1053640,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/norway-social-media.jpg\" "\\"<p>.<\/p>\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNorway plans to restrict access to social media for children under 16, joining a growing number of countries responding to concerns about the potential harm kids face online.The bill came after \u201coverwhelming\u201d demand from the public, govt said on Friday. It plans to bring the legislation to parliament before the end of the year. The limit will apply up until Jan 1 of the year a child turns 16 with technology companies responsible for age verification, govt said. \u201cWe want a childhood where children get to be children,\u201d PM Jonas Gahr Store said. \u201cPlay, friendships, and everyday life must not be taken over by algorithms and screens.\u201dThe Nordic nation\u2019s move comes on the heels of bans instituted in Australia and Greece, with multiple other nations considering similar action. Australia\u2019s restrictions came into force in Dec. Greece will end access to social media for children under 15 from the start of next year.\u201cChildren cannot be left with the responsibility for staying away from platforms they are not allowed to use,\u201d Karianne Tung, Norway\u2019s minister of digitalisation, said. \u201cThat responsibility rests with the companies providing these services.\u201dAccording to an emailed statement, YouTube Inc said it believes in \u201cprotecting youth in the digital world, not from it\u201d, and it supports a \u201ccomprehensive approach to ensure platforms are incentivised to build safer, age-appropriate experiences that also empowers parents\u201d.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n