Government introduces bill to ban social media for under-16s
The government introduced legislation to ban under-16s from social media platforms, requiring companies to take reasonable age-verification steps or face penalties.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill, which would require high-risk social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook to verify users are over 16 or face fines up to 10% of their global revenue. The bill would also establish an online safety regulator and require platforms to assess and report on child safety risks. Coalition partners Act and NZ First opposed the legislation, but Labour announced support, giving the bill a potential path through Parliament.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
RNZ
Watch live: Government makes social media ban announcement
Christopher Luxon will be joined by Education Minister Erica Stanford at the announcement.
NZ Herald
Social media ban: Government legislation to be introduced, but NZ First, Act disagree
Legislation to ban under-16s from social media will be introduced today.
Newstalk ZB
Social media ban: Government legislation to be introduced, but NZ, Act disagree
Legislation will today be introduced to ban young New Zealanders aged under 16 from social media, putting the onus on platforms to take “reasonable steps” to check users are over the minimum age.
RNZ
Watch live: Govt pushes ahead with social media ban for under-16s
A new bill will put pressure on social media companies to comply, while also establishing an online safety regulator and setting up a penalty regime.
Stuff
Luxon moves to ban social media for under 16-year-olds, Act says it will ‘agree to disagree’
The bill would require “high risk” platforms like TikTok and Facebook to check ages, take action to reduce harm or face a fine of up to 10% of their global revenue
1News
Luxon moves to ban under 16s from social media, but ACT, NZ First say no
The bill's passage before the election is far from assured, and the proposed system excludes a range of digital services based on existing Australian standards.
RNZ
Govt pushes ahead with social media ban for under-16s
A new bill will put pressure on social media companies to comply, while also establishing an online safety regulator and setting up a penalty regime.
Otago Daily Times
Govt pushes ahead with social media ban for under-16s
1News
Seymour and Peters hit back as Luxon moves on under-16s social media ban
The bill won't get through Parliament before the election, and the proposed system excludes a range of digital services based on existing Australian standards.
Newstalk ZB
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the Government introducing their own teen social media ban
A teen social media ban, resembling one pioneered by Australia, is being introduced to Parliament today.
The Spinoff
New Zealand’s proposed social media ban for under-16s, explained
The government is introducing a bill to ban under-16s from social media platforms, but with two out of three coalition partners against it, Labour’s support is needed for the ban to go ahead. Here’s what you need to know. Wait,…
The Spinoff
‘What am I supposed to do? Go outside?’ Teenagers respond to social media ban announcement
Teenagers give their considered political responses to the bill introducing a social media ban. What do they say about denial being the first stage of grief? After the government this afternoon proclaimed the end was nigh for under-16s using social…
Stuff
Social media giants (unsurprisingly) oppose under-16 ban plan
National Party ministers announced on Monday that New Zealand would follow Australia in banning social media for under-16s.
interest.co.nz
Inside the Capital: National pushes ahead on U16 social media ban without coalition partners
National pushes ahead on under 16 social media ban without NZ First or ACT, Labour's slogan, Opportunity in kingmaker's seat
Stuff
How National steamrolled its coalition partners on a social media ban, and what the consequence might be
The one hitch with the social media ban is “the government” is not really moving to ban social media. Because two arms of this government oppose this bill.
The Spinoff
A social media ban for under-16s? It can’t happen fast enough
The government’s proposed bill is too l ate for my 16-year-old son, but it could be just in time for my 12-year-old daughter. My daughter and her friends spend their spare time making food influencer videos. After school and on…
Otago Daily Times
Proposed social media ban welcomed, though questions remain
RNZ
National goes it alone on social media ban for under-16s
National is progressing its efforts to ban under-16 year olds from social media platforms, but so far is going it alone, unable to gather the support of its coalition partners.
Newsroom
National picks an unwinnable fight with its social media ban
National introduces its under-16 restriction without coalition support, framing the contested legislation as a crucial stand against Big Tech The post National picks an unwinnable fight with its social media ban appeared first on Newsroom .
The Spinoff
The proposed social media ban for under-16s divides parents, kids, politicians and experts
Yesterday, National announced it would introduce legislation to ban under-16s from social media, bringing up divisions across many lines, writes Henry Oliver in today’s excerpt from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here .…
Newstalk ZB
Craig Young: Technology Users Association CEO on National's proposed social media ban and potential loopholes
A warning there's no magic wand to keep teens off social media.
1News
Labour backs under-16s social media ban – handing Luxon lifeline
Chris Hipkins said today he wanted a greatly improved version of National's legislation "implemented" by the next government after the election.
Stuff
Labour to back social media ban, National says Stuff poll must’ve swayed them
Education Minister Erica Stanford says the Stuff opinion needle must've swayed Labour’s caucus.
Otago Daily Times
Poll: Have your say on the proposed social media ban
1News
Govt says no time for social media bill after Labour backs it
Chris Hipkins said today he wanted a greatly improved version of National's legislation "implemented" by the next government after the election.
NZ Herald
Election 2026: Coalition agreements in spotlight after Government’s social media ban stoush
Act and NZ First oppose the bill to ban social media use for under-16s.
Otago Daily Times
‘We will support that bill’: Labour backs social media ban
The Spinoff
Cracks in the coalition? Election pressure tests government unity
From bed taxes to social media bans to a proposed MMP referendum, National’s coalition partners are increasingly willing to break ranks – and speak out, writes Henry Oliver in today’s excerpt from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full…
Newsroom
Raw Politics: The kids bring National and Labour together
This week on the Raw Politics podcast: Is Labour's support for National's moves on a social media ban and rates cap real or tactical? The post Raw Politics: The kids bring National and Labour together appeared first on Newsroom .
Stuff
Luxon wants kids off social media, but says politicians still need it
National is pushing ahead to ban social media for under 16s but isn’t looking to review it’s own use of the platforms.
Stuff
How the under-16 social media bill could see Facebook blocked in New Zealand
The social media ban bill would allow the High Court to order internet service providers to cut off social media companies who don’t comply
Newstalk ZB
Paul Stenhouse: Pushback against social media platforms is gaining momentum
In New Zealand, National plans to ban social media for kids under 16
Newstalk ZB
Ethan Griffiths: Newstalk ZB political reporter on how the teen social media ban could see Facebook blocked in NZ
The Government has unveiled a proposed bill designed to ban under-16s from social media – and it could stop all Kiwis from accessing certain platforms if the companies don't comply.