New Zealand has introduced legislation to stop children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms.
The move follows similar action by Australia and other countries that want to limit young users’ access to platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the government wants to protect children from online risks. “We simply cannot accept the harm being done to a generation of New Zealand children,” Luxon said. He said many teenagers spend several hours daily on social media.
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“One in three children aged between 13 and 17 are now spending at least five hours on social media a day,” he said.
Luxon said social media exposes young people to harmful content and addictive technology.
“Social media is exposing them to harmful content, addictive technology and pressures they are not equipped to deal with, and it’s affecting their family life, mental health, sleep and education,” he added.
Platforms Could Face Heavy Fines
The proposed law would require companies to verify users’ ages before allowing access. Platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook would need to take “reasonable steps” to confirm users are over 16.
Companies could use existing account details, facial age estimation, digital identity services and official identification documents for verification.
The government has proposed strict penalties for companies that fail to follow the rules. Technology firms could face fines of up to 10 percent of their global revenue.
The bill would also require platforms to assess risks linked to their services. They would need to explain how they are reducing those risks for young users.
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Education Minister Erica Stanford said the legislation places responsibility on social media companies. “The Bill places legal obligations on platforms,” Stanford said.
She added that the law would not punish children, parents or caregivers.
Political Support Remains Uncertain
The bill faces challenges before it can become law. New Zealand’s coalition partners, ACT Party and NZ First, have raised objections.
NZ First said it could not support the proposal. The party described Australia’s similar law as a “colossal failure”.
ACT said teenagers could easily find ways around the restrictions.
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The opposition Labour Party has also asked for more details before deciding its position. Labour spokesperson Reuben Davidson said the party wants answers about age verification and affected platforms. “We take this legislation very seriously,” Davidson said.
“The safety of young people in Aotearoa New Zealand is at stake and the risks they face in increasingly complex online environments are significant,” he added.
New Zealand Follows Australia’s Move
Australia became the first country to ban social media access for children under 16 in December.
The Australian law targets platforms including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. It aims to reduce online bullying, harmful content and exposure to addictive algorithms.
However, researchers have questioned whether such restrictions will significantly reduce teenagers’ social media use.
A peer-reviewed Australian study published in June found limited evidence that teenagers had moved away from social media after the ban.
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New Zealand’s government will now seek parliamentary approval for the legislation.
The proposal places the country among a growing group of nations debating stricter online protections for children.
