Government begins work on bill to keep under-16s off social media

Education Minister Erica Stanford has been assigned to lead work on banning under-16 from social media, including assessing how similar bans have worked overseas.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the government has received an overwhelmingly positive response from parents to a private members bill from Tukituki MP Catherine Wedd which would implement a ban.

“I am concerned by the harm social media can cause young New Zealanders and I believe restricting access for under-16s would help protect our kids from bullying, harmful content and social media addiction,” he said.

“Australia is currently testing a range of options for restricting social media for under-16s, and the United Kingdom, the EU, Canada and states in the US are also exploring the issue. As part of her work, Erica will consider how these other jurisdictions are implementing restrictions and what could work in New Zealand, subject to Cabinet approval.”