NZ Social Media Ban 2025

In a significant move reflecting growing global concerns about teen mental health and online safety, New Zealand is set to debate legislation that would restrict social media access for children under 16. The bill, introduced by National Party MP Catherine Wedd, has sparked widespread discussion both nationally and internationally.

This proposed legislation, often referred to as the NZ Social Media Ban, aims to make social media safer for teenagers while addressing rising concerns about online harm.

About the Proposed NZ Social Media Ban Law

The core objective of the bill is to enforce mandatory age verification law for social media in NZ. Under this law, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) would be legally required to verify that new users are aged 16 or above before allowing them to create accounts.

This legislative initiative mirrors Australia’s 2024 law, which prohibited under-16s from accessing social media platforms and implemented strict identity verification measures. If passed, New Zealand will join a small number of countries adopting such strict social media restrictions for minors.

The bill, submitted in May 2025, has gained momentum after being selected through New Zealand’s member’s bill lottery—a unique process allowing non-cabinet MPs to bring forward legislation.

Government’s Concerns: Mental Health and Online Safety

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and other government officials have voiced concerns over the unregulated influence of social media on young minds. The key issues driving the NZ teen online ban under the proposed NZ Social Media Ban include:

• Rising mental health issues: Teenagers are increasingly facing depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem linked to online content.

• Cyberbullying: Persistent harassment online continues to impact adolescents emotionally and psychologically.

• Misinformation and harmful trends: Younger users often struggle to critically evaluate misleading content.

• Body image pressure: Algorithm-driven platforms promote unrealistic beauty and lifestyle standards.

Luxon emphasised that the online environment poses serious risks to minors if left unchecked. The government argues that the NZ social media ban to protect teen mental health is necessary to safeguard the future of the younger generation.

Opposition and Privacy Concerns

While the proposed bill has government support, it has faced criticism from civil liberties groups. The advocacy organisation PILLAR warned that:

• Mandatory age checks may compromise user privacy, exposing sensitive data to tech companies.

• The law may not effectively protect minors, as tech-savvy users could find workarounds.

• Over-regulation could infringe on digital freedoms, setting a precedent for online censorship.

PILLAR’s executive director, Nathan Seiuli, described the measure as “lazy policymaking”, arguing that education, digital literacy, and parental involvement are more effective than legal bans.

Key Features of the NZ Social Media Ban

1. Age Verification: Platforms must ensure that users are 16 or older before registration.

2. Legal Obligation for Tech Companies: Non-compliance could lead to penalties under the NZ internet law.

3. Protection of Teen Mental Health: The law aims to reduce exposure to harmful content and cyberbullying.

4. Alignment with Global Trends: The bill follows examples like Australia’s legislation on social media restrictions in NZ.

Implications for Users and Platforms

The NZ Social Media Ban could significantly impact how minors access social platforms. Platforms may implement stricter registration processes, while parents and guardians may have greater control over online activities. Additionally, the law raises questions about social media privacy law in NZ, balancing safety with individual freedoms.

This proposed legislation highlights the growing focus on teen social media restrictions in NZ and the broader debate over how NZ social media law affects under-16 users.

Final Thoughts

New Zealand is preparing to debate a new social media ban that would prevent children under 16 from creating accounts on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

The proposed law, led by MP Catherine Wedd, seeks to make age verification mandatory for all users, similar to Australia’s 2024 social media law. Supporters argue the NZ social media ban will help tackle rising teen mental health issues, cyberbullying, and harmful online content.

However, critics warn it may raise privacy concerns and limit digital freedom. If approved, New Zealand would become one of the few countries to enforce such strict social media restrictions for minors, highlighting growing global efforts to protect youth online.