New Zealand plans under-16 social media access ban
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New Zealand's government pushes new legislation requiring age checks on social media to shield children from online harm and tech-driven exploitation.
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A 12-year-old boy plays with his personal phone outside school in Barcelona, Spain, on Monday, June 17, 2024 (AP)
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced a proposal to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, citing mounting concerns over online harms such as cyberbullying, exposure to violent content, and addiction.
The draft legislation would require tech companies to implement age verification systems to ensure users are at least 16 years old before opening an account. Platforms that fail to comply would face penalties of up to NZ$2 million ($1.2 million).
“This is about protecting our children,” Luxon said. “It’s about making sure social media companies are playing their role in keeping our kids safe.”
According to Luxon, the initiative comes in response to concerns raised by teachers and parents about the damaging effects of unregulated social media access. Issues cited include cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and screen addiction.
“Parents are constantly telling us that they are really worried about the impact that social media is having on their children,” he added. “And they say they are really struggling to manage access to social media.”
The bill was authored by National Party MP Catherine Wedd, who emphasized that no enforceable age-verification laws currently exist in New Zealand. The legislation, she said, would support families by giving them greater oversight of their children’s online activities.
Australia's ban inspires similar action in New Zealand
The proposed measure closely mirrors Australia’s recently enacted law, which bans users under 16 from accessing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X. Passed in November, Australia’s law is considered one of the strictest globally and has drawn significant backlash from tech giants who argue that the rules are “vague” and “rushed.”
Despite the criticism, the legislation has sparked wider debate in the region over youth online safety and the responsibilities of digital platforms.
A 1News Verian poll conducted in December found that more than two-thirds of New Zealanders supported restrictions on social media access for users under 16. Luxon’s center-right National Party, which leads a three-party coalition, has drafted the bill but will require support from its coalition partners to pass it into law.
While the timeline for introducing the legislation remains unclear, Luxon urged cross-party backing: “It’s not a political issue, it’s a New Zealand issue.”
Next steps for the proposed age-verification law
Opposition Labour leader Chris Hipkins expressed openness to the proposal, telling Radio New Zealand, “This is a conversation we need to have as a country. The Australians have been courageous and tackled it. I think New Zealand needs to do the same.”
If passed, the law would place New Zealand among a small but growing number of countries seeking to hold social media companies accountable for the safety of young users through legally enforceable regulations.
