New Zealand Plans Social Media Ban for Under-16s

In a move reflecting growing global concerns about teen mental health and online safety, New Zealand is set to debate legislation that would restrict social media access for children under 16. The bill, introduced by National Party MP Catherine Wedd, proposes mandatory age verification by tech companies before allowing new users to register on social platforms. If passed, this could make New Zealand one of the few countries in the world to adopt such strict social media access laws for minors.

About the Proposed Law

• The bill aims to make age verification a legal obligation for social media companies operating in New Zealand.
• This means platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) would be required to verify that users are aged 16 or older before allowing them to create an account.
• This legislative initiative mirrors Australia’s pioneering 2024 law, which banned under-16s from accessing social media and implemented strict identity verification measures.
• While the bill was submitted in May 2025, it has gained momentum only recently after being picked through New Zealand’s member’s bill lottery — a unique process where non-cabinet MPs get a chance to bring forward legislation.

Government’s Concern: Mental Health and Online Harm

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and other leaders have voiced increasing alarm over the unregulated influence of social media on children and adolescents. Key concerns include,

• Rising mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem linked to online content
• Cyberbullying, which continues to cause emotional and psychological harm to teenagers
• Misinformation and harmful trends that are particularly difficult for younger users to critically evaluate
• Body image pressure, fueled by algorithm-driven content promoting unrealistic standards
• Luxon has emphasized the need for stronger safeguards, warning that the online environment poses serious risks to young minds if left unchecked.

Opposition and Privacy Concerns

However, the proposed bill has met with sharp criticism from civil liberties groups. The advocacy organisation PILLAR warned that,

• Mandatory age checks may compromise user privacy, exposing personal data to tech companies
• The bill may not effectively protect children, as determined users could find workarounds
• Over-regulation could infringe on digital freedoms and set a precedent for online censorship
• PILLAR’s executive director Nathan Seiuli called the measure “lazy policymaking” and argued that education, digital literacy, and parental involvement are more effective tools than legal bans.