Overview

• The National Party has introduced draft legislation to ban social media access for users under 16, requiring age verification by platforms.
• Prime Minister Christopher Luxon supports the proposal, emphasizing the need to protect children from cyberbullying, harmful content, and social media addiction.
• Non-compliant platforms could face fines of up to NZ$2 million under the proposed law, which is modeled after Australia’s 2024 regulations.
• The bill must first be selected through a parliamentary ballot and gain support from coalition partners or opposition to proceed.
• Parents and educators have voiced concerns about the negative effects of social media on children, with the government already banning mobile phones in schools.