6 May, New Zealand
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon introduced proposed legislation that would require social media sites to verify that users were at least 16 years old.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has introduced a bill to prohibit children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms in a bid to shield them from the dangers of the internet, including cyberbullying, viewing violent material, and addiction. The bill would mandate social media operators to verify the age of users at 16 years and above, and non-compliance would attract a maximum fine of NZ$2 million.
The suggested ban is based on Australia’s legislation, which was enacted in November 2024. Australia’s legislation bans children below the age of 16 from using platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, with AUD 50 million penalties for businesses that fail to implement the age limit.
“It’s time that New Zealand acknowledged that, for all the good things that come from social media, it’s not always a safe place for our young people to be,” Luxon told
“It’s high time we placed the responsibility on these platforms to safeguard vulnerable children from abusive content, cyberbullying, and exploitation.”
It was not known when the bills would be tabled in parliament, but Luxon indicated he was optimistic of winning support from both sides of the chamber.
In New Zealand, over two-thirds of voters support capping social media usage for children under 16, indicating strong public backing for the bill.
The bill has been introduced by National MP Catherine Wedd, who points out the need for enforceable age verification and enhanced parental control tools. Prime Minister Luxon is seeking bipartisan support in Parliament, and the issue has crossed political boundaries.
National Party MP Catherine Wedd, the bill’s sponsor, said that it would hold social media businesses accountable.
“As a mum of four kids, I think strongly that parents and families should be better shielded when dealing with their kids’ online use,” she said.
However, the proposal has been opposed by some. Some quarters have criticized the proposal, and there are concerns raised over the constitutional implications, especially concerning the effect on children’s political communication rights.
The bill is yet in its infancy, and one has yet to wait and see when precisely it will be brought before Parliament and if it will garner the necessary support to be enacted into law.
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