Story perspectives

NZ Under-16 Social Media Ban Delayed, Election Promise Remains

5/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

MP Catherine Wedd's bill to bar under-16s from social media was drawn from the parliamentary ballot in October and is on hold, Education Minister Erica Stanford said.
Labour backs the proposal while Greens and ACT oppose it, warning it could be circumvented and isolate at-risk groups.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the ban will be implemented before the November 7 election, while Australia introduced a comparable ban up to A$49.5 million (NZ$60 million).

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Story summary

MP Catherine Wedd's bill to bar under-16s from social media was drawn from the parliamentary ballot in October and is on hold, Education Minister Erica Stanford said.
Labour backs the proposal while Greens and ACT oppose it, warning it could be circumvented and isolate at-risk groups.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the ban will be implemented before the November 7 election, while Australia introduced a comparable ban up to A$49.5 million (NZ$60 million).