New Zealand Parliament Set to Debate Bill Restricting Social Media for Under-16s

Wellington | October 23, 2025 New Zealand’s parliament is preparing to debate a bill that would restrict social media access for children under the age of 16, as lawmakers seek to address concerns over the online safety and mental health of young people. Officials confirmed on Thursday that the legislation, introduced as a member’s bill, is part of ongoing efforts to prevent harm caused by social media platforms to minors. The proposed legislation would require social media companies to implement age verification measures to prevent children from accessing platforms, mirroring Australia’s 2024 law, which was the world’s first legal framework to ban social media use for teenagers below 16. Supporters argue that such restrictions are essential to protect children from exposure to bullying, harmful content, misinformation, and unhealthy body image representations. The bill was submitted in May by Catherine Wedd, a National Party lawmaker, and was selected on Thursday to be introduced in parliament. Member’s bills, which can be proposed by any lawmaker outside the cabinet, are chosen through a ceremonial lottery system. While the National Party has expressed support, the bill’s coalition partners have yet to indicate whether they will back the legislation, leaving its parliamentary prospects uncertain. New Zealand has been examining the effects of social media on young people through a dedicated parliamentary committee. The committee’s work includes evaluating the roles of government, businesses, and society in mitigating online harm. A detailed report on the committee’s findings is expected in early 2026, and it may influence the debate and future policy directions. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has repeatedly highlighted the risks social media poses to young teens’ mental health. Concerns raised include exposure to online bullying, misinformation, and harmful depictions of body image, which can affect emotional and psychological wellbeing. Government officials have emphasized that the bill is part of a broader strategy to safeguard children while promoting responsible internet use. However, the proposed restrictions have also faced criticism from civil liberties advocates. The organization PILLAR argued that the bill would not effectively protect children and could instead compromise privacy and online freedom for all New Zealanders. Nathan Seiuli, Executive Director of PILLAR, stated that while aligning with international trends may seem prudent, the approach represents “lazy policymaking” that fails to address the root causes of online harm. The debate in parliament will likely focus on balancing child safety with digital rights, privacy concerns, and freedom of expression. While supporters emphasize the need for regulatory intervention to shield minors from harmful content, opponents warn that strict age verification measures could create additional privacy risks and may not fully prevent teenagers from bypassing restrictions. As the legislation moves toward parliamentary discussion, public interest is expected to grow, with parents, educators, technology companies, and civil society groups all weighing in. The debate will also serve as a reference point for other nations considering measures to limit social media exposure for children, highlighting New Zealand’s emerging role in shaping international digital policy. The timing of the bill’s introduction remains unclear, but its selection for debate signals a growing political commitment to addressing the challenges posed by social media use among minors, reflecting global concerns over digital wellbeing and online safety. New Zealand Considers Teen Social Media Ban New Zealand’s parliament is set to debate a bill that would restrict social media access for children under 16, requiring platforms to implement age verification measures. The proposal, introduced by National Party lawmaker Catherine Wedd, aims to protect teens from online bullying, harmful content, and misinformation. While the National Party supports the bill, coalition partners have not yet confirmed their stance. Critics, including civil liberties group PILLAR, warn it could compromise privacy and restrict online freedom. The debate reflects growing concerns about digital safety and mental health for young users, as New Zealand considers stricter online regulations.