New Zealand Plans Social Media Age Ban for Under-16s Following Australia

New Zealand is set to introduce a bill in parliament to restrict social media use for children under 16, requiring platforms to implement age verification measures similar to Australia's law passed in 2024. The bill, submitted by National Party lawmaker Catherine Wedd, aims to protect vulnerable children from harmful online content, reduce cyberbullying, and prevent exposure to exploitation. While the bill has garnered support from National Party members, coalition partners have yet to confirm their stance, and the exact timeline for introduction remains unclear. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has expressed concerns about social media's negative impacts on young teens' mental health, including misinformation and bullying. However, civil-liberties organization PILLAR has criticized the bill, arguing it could create privacy risks and restrict online freedom without effectively protecting children. The legislation builds on previous successful measures like the cell phone ban in schools, reflecting strong public and parental support for greater online protections for youth.