New Zealand Proposes Under-16 Social Media Ban to Protect Youth

New Zealand’s National Party MP Catherine Wedd introduced a bill to ban social media access for users under 16, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon endorsing the move as a safeguard against online harms, Anadolu Agency reported. The legislation would mandate age verification by platforms and block underage access, citing rising mental health risks linked to youth social media use.

Wedd emphasized the need to address algorithmic targeting and lax enforcement of existing age restrictions, noting Australia’s 2024 precedent as the first country to enact such a ban. Studies show excessive social media exposure correlates with anxiety, low self-esteem, and addictive behaviors among teens.

Critics question enforcement feasibility, while platforms deny allegations of exploiting young users. The bill aligns with global scrutiny of tech firms’ child safety measures, following lawsuits against major platforms for allegedly harming minors’ mental health.

If passed, New Zealand would join Australia in pioneering strict digital age-gating, though implementation challenges remain.