Government bill to ban social media for under-16s sparks parliamentary debate
The Government has announced a bill to ban social media for under-16s, drawing cautious support but questions about enforcement and urgency.
A newly announced Government bill would ban social media use for children under 16. The Prime Minister has prioritised a rates cap over the social media ban as a cost-of-living measure, while the Children's Commissioner says more evidence on the ban's effectiveness is needed. The proposal has sparked parliamentary debate, with tensions between National and Labour over the pace of implementation.
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What outlets are saying
Newstalk ZB
It could handle the ladder (24 August 2026)
Marcus gets immediate reaction on the newly announced Government bill to ban social media for under-16s, and talks gutter cleaning and half-time snacks for an early morning rugby game.
RNZ
Youths on proposed social media ban: Cautious approval, but questions around enforcement
Children’s Commissioner Jane Searle says more evidence into the effectiveness of a complete ban is needed before implementing one in Aotearoa.
1News
Luxon defends prioritising rates cap over social media ban
Prime Minister says the call to priorities a rates cap over a social media ban for under 16s is important to help people with the cost of living.
Stuff
‘Buggering around’: Tempers flare in Parliament over lack of urgency for social media ban
What was meant to be a bold stand against social media harm has turned into a slanging match between National and Labour over why a ban is not being introduced more urgently.