New Zealand PM proposes social media ban for under-16s
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has proposed a law to ban social media use for those under 16, citing harm to a generation. However, the bill faces opposition within the ruling coalition and may not pass before elections.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has proposed legislation that would ban social media platforms for children under the age of 16, citing concerns about the "harm being done to a generation" of young people. The proposal, however, faces significant hurdles within the current government.
Two of the three parties in Luxon's coalition government have stated they will vote against the bill, making its passage unlikely without opposition support, which has yet to be secured. Furthermore, the timeline for the current parliamentary session, which dissolves on October 1 ahead of November elections, makes it improbable for the bill to complete the necessary three rounds of voting before dissolution.
If re-elected, Luxon aims for his government to join a growing list of countries implementing age restrictions on social media. Research from 2025 indicates that a third of New Zealand teenagers spend at least five hours daily on social media. Luxon stated that these platforms expose minors to harmful content and addictive technology, impacting their family life, mental health, sleep, and education.
The proposed law would require platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to verify users are over 16, using methods like facial age estimation or digital ID services. Messaging apps like WhatsApp and gaming platforms like Roblox would be excluded. Companies failing to comply could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue. Australia enacted a similar ban for those under 16 in December 2025.