Sydney: The New Zealand parliament has selected a bill to debate a proposed teen social media ban, aiming to protect children under 16 from online harm.
The legislation has been designed to ensure social media platforms conduct age verification, similar to Australia’s law introduced in 2024.
The member’s bill was submitted in May by National Party lawmaker Catherine Wedd to restrict children’s access to social media and has received backing from National Party members. Coalition partners have not yet confirmed whether they will support the bill.
Members’ bills in New Zealand can be introduced by lawmakers outside the cabinet and are chosen through a ceremonial lottery. The exact date of introduction in parliament is yet to be announced.
A parliamentary committee has been reviewing the impact of social media on young people, examining the roles of government, business, and society in addressing related harms. The committee is expected to release its report in early 2026.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has raised concerns regarding the mental health effects of excessive social media use among teenagers, citing issues such as misinformation, bullying, and negative depictions of body image.
However, the civil liberties organisation PILLAR has expressed opposition to the proposed law, saying that it would not effectively protect children online. Nathan Seiuli, Executive Director of PILLAR, said that the bill could create serious privacy risks and restrict online freedoms for New Zealanders.
The New Zealand teen social media ban reflects growing international concern over children’s online safety, highlighting the balance between protection and privacy. The debate in parliament will clarify how the country intends to regulate social media usage for under-16 users while considering civil liberties.
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