Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Araghchi to Grossi: These parties will bear responsibility for the consequences of their actions
Araghchi to Grossi: Iran will respond to any unlawful action by European countries or parties attempting to turn the Agency into a tool for achieving their objectives
Araghchi to Grossi: We urge the Agency to warn against the consequences of any political move against Iran
Araghchi to Grossi: We call on the Agency to highlight Iran’s full cooperation during the upcoming Board of Governors meeting next week
Araghchi to Grossi: We demand that the Agency reflect the facts in a manner that prevents certain parties from exploiting it to advance their political agendas
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi holds a phone call with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi
Trump envoy Witkoff has sent 'detailed and acceptable proposal' to Iran for nuclear deal; it's in their best interest to accept it: White House Press Secretary Leavitt
Hamas official says Witkoff's position toward group was 'unfair' and shows 'complete bias' to 'Israel'
Hamas official says it has considered Witkoff's proposal acceptable for negotiations, says 'Israel's' response was incompatible with what the group agreed on
Hamas official says group has not rejected Wikoff's proposal for Gaza ceasefire

New Zealand plans under-16 social media access ban

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News websites
  • 6 May 2025 08:26
3 Min Read

New Zealand's government pushes new legislation requiring age checks on social media to shield children from online harm and tech-driven exploitation.

Listen
  • x
  •  A 12-year-old boy plays with his personal phone outside school in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, June 17, 2024. (AP)
    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.”

Related News

Trump's social media posts become key factors in legal cases

US citizens don't trust traditional media, still use them: WashPo

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.

  • social media
  • New Zealand
  • social media access ban
  • Christopher Luxon

Most Read

US judges quietly consider private security amid Trump tensions

US judges quietly consider private security amid Trump pressures

  • US & Canada
  • 25 May 2025
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrive to a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Washington (AP)

Rift widens: Trump, Netanyahu clash in heated phone call over Iran

  • Politics
  • 26 May 2025
An Israeli army vehicle moves in the Gaza Strip as seen from southern occupied Palestine, Thursday, May 29, 2025 (AP)

Hamas rejects Witkoff ceasefire plan, says alters terms

  • Politics
  • 29 May 2025
Spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, announces a new operation against Ben Gurion Airport on May 29, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen announces successful hypersonic missile strike on Ben Gurion

  • Politics
  • 30 May 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
MIT bans class president who gave pro-Palestine speech
US & Canada

MIT bans class president over pro-Palestine speech

Arab ministers condemn Israel 'ban' on planned West Bank visit
Politics

Arab ministers condemn Israeli ban on planned West Bank visit

Major General Hu Gangfeng, Vice President, National Defense University, People's Liberation Army, China, leaves after a panel discussion during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
Politics

China blasts Hegseth, calls US top 'troublemaker' in Asia-Pacific

US activists demand shutdown of Musk's 'dirty' supercomputer: Reports
Technology

US activists demand shutdown of Musk's 'dirty' supercomputer: NBC News

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS