Investigating social media restrictions for under-16s will now become part of the Government’s work programme, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today.
Luxon said Education Minister Erica Stanford has been assigned to “explore options” to be brought to Cabinet.
Originally a members’ bill by National MP Catherine Wedd, Luxon said there had been an “overwhelmingly positive response from mums and dads”, and it would be added to the Government’s work programme as a result.
“We need to progress options to restrict social media for under-16s and as such, I have tasked Erica Stanford to lead this work.”
He said he was concerned by the harm social media could cause young New Zealanders.
My Social Media Age-Appropriate Users Bill will put the onus on social media companies to verify users are over the age of 16. (Source: 1News)
“I believe restricting access for under-16s would help protect our kids from bullying, harmful content and social media addiction.”
Australia was currently testing a range of options for restricting social media for under-16s, while the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada and some US states were exploring the issue.
Stanford would consider how those jurisdictions were implementing restrictions and what could work in New Zealand, Luxon said.
“Erica will work across Government to explore options for legislation and implementation and bring these to Cabinet for consideration.”
The scope of the Education portfolio will be amended to enable Erica Stanford to commission advice and direct officials from a range of departments on reducing social media harm for under-16s.
National MP Catherine Wedd’s members bill would remain in the ballot as Stanford’s work progressed.
“I would like to thank Catherine Wedd for her advocacy so far and look forward to seeing how her members’ bill can feed into this process,” Luxon said.
