New Zealand Unveils Social Media Ban for Under-16s

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has introduced a legislative proposal that would bar children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms. Luxon cited the "harm being done to a generation" of young people as the driving force behind the measure.

The proposal, however, faces significant political headwinds. Two of the three parties in Luxon's coalition government — the libertarian ACT and populist NZ First — have said they will vote against the bill. This means the legislation would need support from opposition lawmakers to pass, and the main opposition Labour Party has not yet committed to a position.

Adding to the uncertainty, Parliament is set to dissolve on October 1 ahead of November's election, leaving no time for the required three rounds of voting. Luxon has indicated he intends to pursue the ban if his government is reelected.

Under the proposed law, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook would be required to take "reasonable steps" to verify users are over 16. Suggested methods include facial age estimation, digital ID services, or formal identification. Messaging apps like WhatsApp, gaming platforms such as Roblox, and AI productivity tools would be exempt.

Tech companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue. No penalties are proposed for parents or children. The proposal follows Australia's world-first ban on under-16s using social media, which took effect in December 2025, and similar measures in Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia.

Luxon noted that 2025 research found a third of New Zealand teenagers spend at least five hours daily on social media, which he said affects their mental health, sleep, and education. The government previously enacted a ban on cellphone use during school hours in 2024.