The Scandinavian nation's minority Labour government aims to stop children having their lives "taken over by algorithms and screens" and will ensure that technology companies take responsibility for the age verification of their younger users.

Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said: "We are introducing this legislation because we want a childhood where children get to be children.

"Play, friendships, and everyday life must not be taken over by algorithms and screens.

"This is an important measure to safeguard children's digital lives."

The bill will be introduced to parliament by the end of 2026, the government added.

It follows on from Australia enforcing the world's first social media ban for under-16s last December.

At least 14 European nations - including Greece, Denmark and Italy - all plan to follow Australia's lead and are exploring legislation to impose age limits.

Greece announced earlier this month that it would be enforcing a social media ban on children under the age of 15, which will come into force from January 1, 2027.

The country's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has cited rising anxiety, sleep problems and addictive platforms as the factors behind the ban.

In a video message to Greek children, Mitsotakis said that spending long hours in front of screens does not give their minds the chance to rest and that they face growing pressure from constant comparison on social media and online comments.

The politician said: "Greece will be ​among the first countries to take ​such an initiative.

"I am certain, ​however, that it will not be the last. Our ⁠goal is to push the European Union in this direction as well."

From the beginning of next year, platforms will have to be able to restrict users under the age of 15 or face fines reaching up to six per cent of their global turnover - digital governance minister Dimitris Papastergiou said.

The ban will be legislated by the Greek parliament later this year.