OSLO, April 24 -- Norway ‌said on Friday it would ​present a bill in parliament by year-end to ban ‌children from using social media until they ​turn 16, making technology companies responsible for the task of age verification.

Several European nations ​seeking to rein in children's use of social media after Australia took the lead with a world-first ban on under-16s last December.

"We ‌are introducing this legislation because ⁠we want a childhood ⁠where children get ⁠to be children," Prime ⁠Minister Jonas ⁠Gahr Stoere said in a statement.

"Play, friendships, and everyday life must ⁠not be taken over by algorithms and screens. This is an important measure to safegu...