Story perspectives

New Zealand MPs Seek Ban on Under-16 Social Media

8/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The New Zealand Government is seeking to ban social-media accounts for users under 16.
MP Catherine Wedd introduced the bill in October 2025 and aims for passage before the 2026 election.
A parliamentary inquiry has urged stricter regulation of online platforms and limits on under-16 access.
Students at Tauranga Boys’ College and St Hilda’s Collegiate report spending two to six hours daily, up to ten on weekends, on Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, YouTube and Facebook.

History

Historical Context

After the United States passed the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act in 1998—effective April 21, 2000, and later enforced with a $5.5 million FTC fine in 2020—New Zealand MP Catherine Wedd introduced a 2025 bill to ban social-media accounts for users under 16. If enacted before the 2026 election, the measure could create a regional precedent for age-based online safeguards.

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Story summary

The New Zealand Government is seeking to ban social-media accounts for users under 16.
MP Catherine Wedd introduced the bill in October 2025 and aims for passage before the 2026 election.
A parliamentary inquiry has urged stricter regulation of online platforms and limits on under-16 access.
Students at Tauranga Boys’ College and St Hilda’s Collegiate report spending two to six hours daily, up to ten on weekends, on Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, YouTube and Facebook.

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