Wellington: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has introduced a bill seeking to restrict children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms, arguing that social media is harming an entire generation of young people.
However, the proposal currently faces significant hurdles. Two of the three parties in Luxon’s coalition government have indicated that they will vote against the bill. This means the government would need support from opposition lawmakers to secure its passage, although they have not yet decided whether they will back the proposal.
Limited time before election
Luxon said Parliament is due to be dissolved on September 1, ahead of the November election, leaving lawmakers with little time to consider and vote on the legislation.
Bills in New Zealand generally have to pass through three stages of voting over several months before becoming law.
With Parliament approaching dissolution and coalition partners divided over the proposal, the future of the under-16 social media restriction remains uncertain.
