Sjekkes mot fremføring.

Ladies and gentlemen, experts from the OECD family.

I was born in 1986.

Which means that for as long as I can remember, the internet has been around.

But what I grew up with was different.

Back then, the Internet was like this completely new planet.

This planet was owned by no one. Governed by no one.

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But as history tends to show, such a place cannot exist for too long.

Gradually, the planet was colonized – and then shaped – by powerful, commercial actors.

Today, vast parts of the digital world are effectively controlled by a small number of global technology companies, whose business models are built on capturing attention, harvesting data, and influencing behavior at scale.

We can talk about the risk this poses in itself.

But what deeply concerns me is the risk this poses to our children.

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We now see clearly that very little of the online world is designed with children’s well-being – or even childrens rights – in mind.

We are seeing how screen use and social media affect children’s sleep, mental health and learning.

We are seeing how kids are exposed to ads for gambling and weight loss.

We are seeing how their personal data is being exploited.

What’s worse, we are seeing how a growing share of sexual offenses are committed online.

Taking a step back, it is becoming painfully obvious that the internet has not only given us a world of opportunities – it has also created new ways to exploit and abuse children.

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As a policymaker, I have a responsibility to act.

The digital environment must be developed and further designed with children’s best interests in mind – not only commercial incentives.

The question is, of course: How do we get there?

Today, I want to talk about two things.

First, the challenges we are facing, and the work we are doing in Norway.

Second, I want to speak on the task that lies ahead, for all of us.

After all, children’s rights apply fully online.

And upholding them is a global responsibility.

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So let me start with Norway.

A main priority for The Norwegian Government is to protect and empower children in their digital lives.

We are taking a broad set of measures, across policy and sectors.

Here are some of them:

We have proposed raising the age for children’s consent to personal data use in social media, games, and apps.

We have introduced stricter penalties for illegal marketing aimed at children.

We have strengthened the Consumer Authority to improve digital monitoring.

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In schools, we are limiting screen use in the early years. We are also reviewing students’ digital skills and considering a new Technology subject.

However, one of the most important steps we have taken in schools has been to remove phones and smartwatches from classrooms. The feedback is clear: Students are more focused, and there is a stronger sense of community.

Another major step has been the introduction of national guidelines on screen use for children, young people, and parents.

For example, the guidelines state that children under the age of two should avoid screens.

Older children and teens should gradually limit daily leisure screen time, from about 30 minutes up to a maximum of 1.5–3 hours, preferably less.

The guidelines help families find a better balance in everyday life.

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And finally, something I care deeply about.

The introduction of an age limit on social media.

The Norwegian Government has made a proposal that includes:

  • A legally binding age limit, applying from the year the children turn 16.
  • A requirement for platforms to verify users’ age.
  • And a stronger focus on harmful content, addictive design, and the exploitation of personal data.

I find that last one especially important.

It’s about acknowledging how social media has lost its innocence.

In just a few years, platforms have shifted from sharing everyday life to driving addictive behavior; to fueling division in a time where the world needs unity; and to exposing children to real risks, including criminal exploitation.

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The age limit has received significant attention in Norway.

We launched a broad public consultation, inviting input from across society.

It became one of the busiest we’ve ever conducted.

We received 8,200 responses from civil society, NGOs, public authorities and technology companies.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive — especially from parents.

But here’s a point I’d like to add: Even the critical voices have made an effort to contribute in a constructive way.

This shows that while we may disagree on the age limit itself, there is nationwide support for better protection of children online.

This is encouraging.

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What’s equally encouraging is how Norway stands alongside a growing group of countries taking action.

France has shown leadership.

A year ago, President Macron and Prime Minister Støre signed a strategic partnership agreement between Norway and France. In it we reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting children online.

My Nordic colleagues are also moving forward.

Spain and Greece are taking steps.

We noted with great enthusiasm the announcement from the UK last week.

We welcomed the Jutland Declaration, where ministers from 25 member states called for a stronger and more targeted protection of children online.

We welcome signals from the President of the European Commission to take more decisive action towards the tech giants.

And of course, we commend the G7-meeting that took place under French leadership last week for their call on a safer digital space for minors, enhancing that children and youth’s online experiences should be safe, enriching and development focused.

This all shows real political will.

I want to recognize those who are leading, and encourage others to join us.

The simple fact is that no country will be able to solve this task by itself.

Digital services cross borders.

The risks children are facing are global – and so must be our response.

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So, what does a global approach entail in practice?

First, it means we need to align our rules.

We may move faster on our own – but we are stronger when we move together.

If we move in very different directions, global platforms will adapt to the weakest point.

If we move in the same direction, we set a standard they must follow.

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Second, it means working more closely on enforcement.

We can share case practice.

We can coordinate supervision.

And we can put joint pressure and sanctions on companies that do not comply.

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Third, it means agreeing on some common features.

For example:

  • What is age-appropriate design?
  • What is acceptable data collection when it comes to children?
  • And how do we define and react on harmful content?

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Fourth, it means developing solutions together.

Age verification is a good example.

If several countries set the same requirement, we create a real incentive for better, privacy-friendly solutions.

Policy can set the direction.

But scale is what makes change happen.

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The good news is that we are not starting from scratch.

We are already moving in the same direction.

But we need to move faster.

In a room like this, there is real power.

Let’s use that for all its worth.

Let’s use the opportunity we have here to shape a digital world that truly puts children first.

Because if we don’t, others will shape it for us.