Christopher Luxon has unveiled proposals that would force social media companies to verify users were at least 16 years old or risk fines
Share this @internewscast.com

New Zealand is considering a ban on children under 16 from using social media, with the aim of shielding them from ‘harmful content, cyberbullying, and exploitation,’ according to the Prime Minister.

Christopher Luxon has put forth a plan that would require social media platforms to ensure users are at least 16 years old or face potential fines of up to NZ$2 million, which is about £900,000.

The draft bill, drawn up by National Party MP Catherine Wedd, is modelled on strict legislation recently passed by Australia.

Luxon stated today: ‘It’s time for New Zealand to recognize that, despite the benefits of social media, it isn’t always a safe environment for our youth.’

‘It’s time we put the onus on these platforms to protect vulnerable children from harmful content, cyberbullying, and exploitation. 

‘Parents are constantly telling us that they are really worried about the impact that social media is having on their children.

‘And they say they are really struggling to manage access to social media.’

Wedd added: ‘As a mother of four children I feel very strongly that families and parents should be better supported when it comes to overseeing their children’s online exposure.’ 

Christopher Luxon has unveiled proposals that would force social media companies to verify users were at least 16 years old or risk fines

Christopher Luxon has unveiled proposals that would force social media companies to verify users were at least 16 years old or risk fines

The draft laws, drawn up by National Party MP Catherine Wedd, were modelled on strict legislation recently passed by Australia

The draft laws, drawn up by National Party MP Catherine Wedd, were modelled on strict legislation recently passed by Australia

Luxon said: 'It's time we put the onus on these platforms to protect vulnerable children from harmful content, cyberbullying, and exploitation'

Luxon said: ‘It’s time we put the onus on these platforms to protect vulnerable children from harmful content, cyberbullying, and exploitation’

The proposals follow the nation’s decision to ban children from using mobile phones while at school – a policy designed to turn around the country’s plummeting literacy rates.

The move appears fairly popular domestically, with a 1News Verian poll in December finding that more than two-thirds of New Zealanders supported restricting social media access for under-16s. 

To become law, the bill will either need the support of the National Party’s two other coalition partners, ACT and New Zealand First, or opposition parties.

But ACT leader David Seymour said a ‘hastily drafted’ plan was not the solution to problems caused by social media.

Officials are yet to solve basic questions surrounding the laws, such as how the ban will be policed. 

‘I’m really worried about social media’s effect, but for every problem there’s a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong,’ he said.

‘Just slapping on a ban hastily drafted won’t solve the real problem. The real problem has to involve parents, the solution proposed by National doesn’t.

‘What I’d like to see is the people worried about this, the educational psychologists, the social media companies themselves, everybody come before a select committee, really thrash it out, and get a solution that is technologically feasible.’ 

Meanwhile, Labour’s Chris Hipkins, the leader of the opposition, told Radio New Zealand he was open to the idea.

ACT leader David Seymour said a 'hastily drafted' plan was not the solution to problems caused by social media

ACT leader David Seymour said a ‘hastily drafted’ plan was not the solution to problems caused by social media

But Labour's Chris Hipkins, the leader of the opposition, told Radio New Zealand he was open to the idea

But Labour’s Chris Hipkins, the leader of the opposition, told Radio New Zealand he was open to the idea

The move appears fairly popular domestically, with a 1News Verian poll in December finding that more than two-thirds of New Zealanders supported restricting social media access for under-16s

The move appears fairly popular domestically, with a 1News Verian poll in December finding that more than two-thirds of New Zealanders supported restricting social media access for under-16s

‘This is a conversation we need to have as a country. The Australians have been courageous and tackled it. I think New Zealand needs to do the same.’

The Prime Minister said he was encouraged by the positive comments made by Hipkins and suggested he may be able to garner enough support across the House to pass it.

‘It’s not a political issue, it’s a New Zealand issue,’ Luxon claimed. 

Australia passed landmark laws in November restricting under-16s from social media – one of the world’s toughest crackdowns on popular sites such as Facebook, Instagram and X. 

The ban is set to come into effect by December. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

“Bob Vylan Stands by Glastonbury Performance Amid Police Investigation”

Key Points Police are investigating performances at Glastonbury for chants against Israel…
Tammy Hembrow, 31, has revealed her heart is still 'aching' following her split from husband Matt Zukowski, 29, as she mends her wounds in New Zealand

Tammy Hembrow Talks About Emotional Pain and Weight-Loss After Leaving Australia with Her Kids Post-Split from Matt Zukowski

Tammy Hembrow has revealed her heart is still ‘aching’ following her split…

Norwegians mistakenly informed of massive lottery winnings

A Norwegian lottery company has apologised to 47,000 gamblers who were mistakenly…

RUNIT: A New Collision Sport Sparks Concerns Over Concussions

A video posted online showcases medics assisting a man who was swiftly…
Taliban government eager to welcome tourists into Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s Taliban government keen to attract tourists

By plane, motorbike, camper van and even on bicycles, tourists are beginning…
A high-ranking South Australian police officer has been fined after admitting to failing to stop following a car crash.

Prominent Officer Avoids Conviction for Not Stopping After Car Accident

A high-ranking South Australian police officer has been fined after admitting to…
Noel Edmonds (pictured) revealed he is 'not sure of the way forward' after a flood ravaged his New Zealand estate

Noel Edmonds Uncertain About Next Steps After Flood Devastates His New Zealand Property – ‘Years of Work Ruined Overnight’

Noel Edmonds revealed he is ‘not sure of the way forward’ after…

Israel Acknowledges Impact on Civilians at Gaza Aid Sites, Commits to ‘Learning Lessons’

Key Points Israel admits civilians were harmed at Gaza aid sites and…
Man hurt in Tregear attack

Man Discovered Roaming Sydney Street After Alleged Machete Attack

A Sydney man has been left brutally injured after he was attacked…
Windsor, UK - April 2018: Royal Windsor castle in Berkshire

UK Royal Family to Gain Approximately $180 Million from Government Funding

The British Royal Household released its financial statement on Monday, revealing that…
Donald Trump says a buyer for TikTok may be finalised soon.

Trump Claims to Have a TikTok Buyer: Meet the Potential Buyers Competing for the App

After months of speculation and multiple bids from would-be American buyers, TikTok…
Pedestrians walk past e-bikes near the NSW State Library in Sydney.

“Prioritizing Safety: Urgent Need for E-Bike Regulations”

Cycling and walking advocates have backed calls for “urgent” action on shared…