New Zealand proposes social media ban for under-16s

The New Zealand government plans to introduce legislation on Monday banning children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook. This move follows similar bans implemented by other countries, including Australia. The proposed Online Safety Bill would require these platforms to verify users' ages using methods such as facial age estimation and digital ID, with penalties of up to 10% of global revenue for non-compliance. Platforms would also be required to assess and report on the risks they pose to young users.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasized the significant harm to children, citing mental health issues, sleep disturbances, and academic performance as key concerns. According to government data, one in three children aged 13 to 17 now spends at least five hours daily on social media. The bill places the legal responsibility on the platforms, not families, with no penalties proposed for children, parents, or caregivers.

However, the bill's future is uncertain due to opposition from coalition partners NZ First and ACT, who question its effectiveness. Australia implemented a similar ban last year, which took effect, restricting under-16s from Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. This aimed to protect children from bullying and "predatory algorithms." A June peer-reviewed study found little evidence that the ban reduced teen social media usage.