New Zealand government proposes bill to ban social media for under‑16s

The government’s latest legislative package includes a proposal to impose a nationwide ban on the targeted activity, prompting a vocal response from a group of Members of Parliament who contend that such a prohibition would be ineffective. The opposition, voiced during recent parliamentary sessions, emphasizes concerns that a ban alone would not address the underlying issues and could lead to unintended consequences.

MPs opposing the measure have called for a reassessment of the strategy, suggesting that alternative approaches—such as regulation, education, or enforcement enhancements—might achieve the intended outcomes more reliably. The debate is expected to continue as the government reviews the feedback and determines whether to amend the proposal before proceeding to a formal vote.