This qualitative study explores why parents allow children aged 9 to 12 to use social platforms, specifically Snapchat and YouTube, before reaching the recommended 13-year age limit. Despite parental concerns regarding algorithms, screen time, and exposure to harmful content, fear of social exclusion within peer groups often drives early adoption. Parents frequently view Snapchat as a practical tool for everyday family communication and location tracking via Snap Map.
The report highlights the ongoing parental dilemma between respecting children's privacy and monitoring their digital safety, emphasising how social pressure supersedes formal age restrictions.
Methodology
Digital in-depth interviews were conducted by Norstat in August and September 2024 with 10 Norwegian families. Each session involved children aged 9–12 alongside their parents. The data collection employed a three-part structure - combining joint family interviews with individual sessions for parents and children - allowing researchers to capture both shared perspectives and individual attitudes regarding digital habits, parental controls, and platform usage.
Country or region of researched population
Norway
Citation
Medietilsynet. (2025). «Alle andre får lov» – Intervjuer med barn og foreldre om Snapchat og YouTube. https://www.medietilsynet.no/globalassets/publikasjoner/barn-og-medier-undersokelser/2025/250512_medietilsynet_alle_andre_faar_lov.pdf
Record created:
31 July 2026
This qualitative study explores why parents allow children aged 9 to 12 to use social platforms, specifically Snapchat and YouTube, before reaching the recommended 13-year age limit. Despite parental concerns regarding algorithms, screen time, and exposure to harmful content, fear of social exclusion within peer groups often drives early adoption. Parents frequently view Snapchat as a practical tool for everyday family communication and location tracking via Snap Map.
The report highlights the ongoing parental dilemma between respecting children's privacy and monitoring their digital safety, emphasising how social pressure supersedes formal age restrictions.
Methodology
Digital in-depth interviews were conducted by Norstat in August and September 2024 with 10 Norwegian families. Each session involved children aged 9–12 alongside their parents. The data collection employed a three-part structure - combining joint family interviews with individual sessions for parents and children - allowing researchers to capture both shared perspectives and individual attitudes regarding digital habits, parental controls, and platform usage.
Country or region of researched population
Norway
Citation
Medietilsynet. (2025). «Alle andre får lov» – Intervjuer med barn og foreldre om Snapchat og YouTube. https://www.medietilsynet.no/globalassets/publikasjoner/barn-og-medier-undersokelser/2025/250512_medietilsynet_alle_andre_faar_lov.pdf
Record created:
31 July 2026- social media parental-mediation peer exclusion underage
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