Should New Zealand Ban Social Media for Those Under 16?
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Synopsis
A New Zealand MP is proposing a bill to ban social media for users under 16, aiming to protect youth from bullying and harmful content. The initiative, supported by the Prime Minister, could align New Zealand with Australia’s recent legislation, showcasing a global movement towards safeguarding children in the digital age.
Key Takeaways
- Proposed bill aims to restrict social media access for under 16s.
- Age verification will be mandatory for social media companies.
- Non-compliance could lead to significant fines.
- Supported by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
- Modelled after Australian legislation.
Wellington, May 6 (NationPress) A member of the New Zealand parliament is advocating for a new law that would prohibit individuals younger than 16 from using social media. This initiative may align New Zealand with Australia in enforcing stricter regulations on digital platforms.
New Zealand National Party MP Catherine Wedd has proposed a member's bill mandating social media companies to verify the ages of users and prevent minors from creating accounts, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Companies could incur financial penalties for non-compliance and must take “all reasonable steps” to confirm that users are at least 16 years old, according to Radio New Zealand (RNZ).
“My Social Media Age-Appropriate Users Bill aims to safeguard youth from bullying, unsuitable content, and social media dependency by limiting access for those under 16,” Wedd stated, as quoted by RNZ.
The bill enjoys the support of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who expressed willingness to consider it as a government bill, which would expedite its passage through parliament.
“This is not merely a political concern; it’s a matter for all of New Zealand,” Luxon remarked, emphasizing the need for bipartisan collaboration.
The proposed legislation is inspired by laws currently being enacted in Australia. If approved, it will empower the designated minister to categorize certain platforms as age-restricted and mandate a formal review three years post-enactment to assess its effectiveness.
The Australian social media ban for individuals under 16, recognized as the first globally, was passed by the Senate in November 2024.
Social media platforms that fail to restrict access to Australians below 16 will face fines amounting to tens of millions of dollars under these groundbreaking regulations.
The responsibility for enforcing the age limit will primarily rest with social media companies, rather than children, parents, or guardians.
Companies that consistently neglect to uphold the age restriction could face fines reaching up to AUD 50 million (approximately USD 32.5 million).
Point of View
I view this proposed legislation as a necessary step in protecting our youth from the pervasive risks associated with social media. While the intention is commendable, we must also consider the implications for freedom of expression and the responsibilities of parents and guardians in the digital age.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the proposed law?
The primary aim of the proposed law is to protect children under 16 from bullying, inappropriate content, and social media addiction by restricting their access to social media platforms.
How will age verification be enforced?
Social media companies will be required to verify the ages of their users and take all reasonable steps to ensure that minors cannot create accounts.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Platforms failing to comply with the age restrictions could face substantial financial penalties, potentially reaching up to AUD 50 million.
Is this legislation similar to any existing laws?
Yes, the proposed law in New Zealand is modeled after recent legislation in Australia, which also seeks to ban social media usage for individuals under 16.
Will this law apply to all social media platforms?
If passed, the legislation will apply to all social media companies operating in New Zealand, requiring them to enforce the age restriction.
