A proposal to ban social media access for children under 16 in New Zealand has hit a roadblock after the ACT party, a key member of the country’s ruling coalition, refused to back the initiative.
The proposed legislation, introduced by National Party lawmaker Catherine Wedd and endorsed by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, would compel social media companies to implement age verification systems and restrict access for users under 16, according to a report by Radio New Zealand.
However, ACT’s resistance has stalled the bill, meaning it now requires support from opposition parties for any chance of passing.
David Seymour, ACT’s leader, criticized the proposal in parliament, calling it “simple, neat, and wrong.”
He argued that addressing youth exposure to harmful online content requires more than legislation.
“This isn’t something a quick ban can fix,” Seymour said. “The solution needs to involve parents — something this bill ignores.”
He acknowledged concerns over social media’s influence on children but warned against replicating policy missteps made elsewhere.
“We should be learning from Australia’s experience, not repeating their mistakes,” he added.
Catherine Wedd, defending the measure, emphasized the need for stronger protections for children online.
Meanwhile, Winston Peters, head of the New Zealand First party — another coalition partner — voiced support, suggesting it was essential enough to be adopted as a government bill.
The debate mirrors developments in Australia, which passed a similar under-16 ban last year — the first of its kind globally.
Though many platforms restrict users under 13, enforcement has proven ineffective, and children often gain access anyway.
Social media companies have been accused of deploying algorithms that contribute to addictive behavior among teens, a claim they deny.
Still, various studies have highlighted potential links between excessive social media use and declining mental health in adolescents, including increased anxiety and low self-esteem.
