New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Tuesday (May 6) proposed banning children under the age of 16 from using social media, citing the urgent need to protect young people from the harms of big tech platforms.
As violent and disturbing content continues to proliferate online, regulators around the world are increasingly grappling with how to safeguard children in the digital space. The proposed legislation would require social media companies to verify that users are at least 16 years old or face fines of up to NZ$2 million (US$1.2 million).
Modelled on Australia’s recently enacted laws—among the world’s strictest—New Zealand’s proposal aims to place greater responsibility on tech companies. “It’s time we put the onus on these platforms to protect vulnerable children from harmful content, cyberbullying, and exploitation,” Luxon said at a press briefing. “For all the good things that come from social media, it’s not always a safe place for our young people.”
While the bill has yet to be introduced in Parliament, Luxon expressed hope for bipartisan support. Drafted by the centre-right National Party—the largest party in New Zealand’s three-way governing coalition—the bill will require backing from the two coalition partners to pass.
National Party MP Catherine Wedd, who authored the legislation, emphasized the bill’s intent to hold social media platforms accountable. “As a mother of four children, I feel very strongly that families and parents should be better supported when it comes to overseeing their children’s online exposure,” she said.
The proposed laws do not yet detail which social media companies would be covered. However, the move follows a 2023 government decision to ban mobile phone use in schools in an effort to improve literacy rates.
Australia, whose legislation inspired New Zealand’s move, passed its own under-16 social media restrictions in November. While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) are covered under Australia’s ban—set to take effect by December—YouTube will likely be exempt to allow for educational use.
Enforcement mechanisms for the bans remain unclear in both countries, and Australia’s law has faced criticism from major tech firms, who have described it as “rushed,” “vague,” and “problematic.”
