New Zealand’s government has introduced legislation that would restrict children under 16 from using major social media platforms, following a similar approach adopted by Australia.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the proposal amid concerns about the amount of time young people spend online and their exposure to potentially harmful content. According to figures cited by Luxon, one in three New Zealand children aged 13 to 17 spends at least five hours per day on social media.
The government argues that excessive social media use can affect several aspects of children’s lives, including sleep, education, family relationships, and mental health. Luxon said protecting children online should be treated as part of the government’s broader responsibility for their safety.
The Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill was introduced to Parliament on August 24. Under the proposal, social networks classified as “high-risk” would be required to prevent users younger than 16 from accessing their services.
Platforms expected to fall within the rules include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Companies would be responsible for determining whether users meet the minimum-age requirement and could use methods including information already associated with an account, facial age-estimation technology, or digital identity services.
The legislation would go beyond age checks. Covered platforms would also have to regularly assess risks affecting younger users and explain what measures they are taking to identify and reduce those risks.
A new online safety regulator within New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs would independently oversee compliance. Companies that fail to meet their obligations could face substantial financial penalties, potentially reaching 10% of their global revenue.
Education Minister Erica Stanford said the proposal is intended to create a framework capable of changing alongside new technology rather than simply imposing a one-time age restriction. The legislation would place responsibility on social media companies to understand and address risks their services may create for children.
Whether the legislation will ultimately pass Parliament remains uncertain. The BBC reported that ACT and New Zealand First, both coalition partners in the government, have indicated that they oppose the bill, raising questions about whether it can secure enough parliamentary support.
New Zealand’s proposal follows Australia’s introduction of social media restrictions for under-16s in December 2025. However, Australia’s experience has also demonstrated the difficulties involved in enforcing age-based restrictions online, with recent research indicating that many teenagers have continued accessing social media despite the rules.
The New Zealand legislation is therefore still only a proposal. Its passage through Parliament, the exact platforms ultimately covered, and the practical effectiveness of its age-verification requirements have yet to be determined.