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New Zealand's social media ban for under-16s, explained
New Zealand is moving towards an age limit of 16 for social media, following Australia. Here's what's actually been proposed, where it's at, and what it means for your family – in plain language.
Last checked: 2 October 2026. This bill is still going through Parliament, so details may change. We'll update this page as it moves.
The short version
- On 24 August 2026 the government introduced a bill that would make “high-risk” social media platforms take reasonable steps to check users are 16 or older (Euronews).
- It's not law yet, and it's not certain to pass.
- Platforms – not kids or parents – would be responsible, with fines of up to 10% of global revenue.
What the bill would do
According to The Spinoff, the Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill would:
- Require age checks. Platforms would use things like existing account information, facial age estimation, digital ID services and formal ID to make sure users are over 16.
- Put the responsibility on platforms. Companies that don't comply could face penalties of up to 10% of their global revenue. No penalties are proposed for children, parents or caregivers.
- Require child-safety risk assessments. Platforms would have to assess the risks to all users under 18, and update that every year.
- Create a regulator. An online safety regulator inside the Department of Internal Affairs would check that platforms comply.
Announcing it, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said one in three children aged 13 to 17 now spend at least five hours a day on social media – which lines up with a 2025 survey that found 32% of NZ teens do (PHCC).
Which apps are covered
The government named Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook as examples of high-risk platforms. The Spinoff reports that YouTube would also be covered, while these would be exempt:
- messaging, email and voice or video-calling services
- AI chatbots used for information
- Spotify, Roblox and LinkedIn
Lists like this often change during the select committee process, so treat them as a guide for now.
When it could start
There's no start date. First the bill has to pass, and that's not a given:
- National introduced it, but its coalition partners ACT and NZ First have said they won't vote for it.
- That means National needs Labour, which has given conditional support and raised questions in writing. The Greens oppose it.
- Education Minister Erica Stanford has said she hopes a regulator could be up and running by the end of next year (2027). The Spinoff notes that passing the bill before the next election looks unlikely.
The idea isn't new. National MP Catherine Wedd announced a member's bill on the same topic in May 2025, and Parliament's Education and Workforce Committee held an inquiry into online harm to young people, which reported in December 2025 (background).
What happened in Australia
Australia went first. Since 10 December 2025, platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, X, Facebook, Reddit, Twitch, Threads and Kick must take reasonable steps to stop under-16s having accounts, with fines of up to A$49.5 million. As in the NZ proposal, there are no penalties for young people or their parents (eSafety Commissioner).
What do NZ teens and parents think?
In a 2025 survey, 77% of caregivers supported a minimum age of 16 – but only 47% of teens did. Half of the teens also said they'd got social media too young themselves (PHCC). Many young people worry about losing contact with friends and communities, and about how age checks would handle their data. Those are fair concerns, and worth talking about at home.
What families can do now – law or no law
Whatever Parliament decides, the biggest levers are at home:
- Talk before you restrict. Ask what your teen likes about each app and what they'd miss. You'll learn which ones matter.
- Phones out of bedrooms overnight. Sleep is where the damage shows up first.
- Hold off on new accounts for younger kids. It's easier to delay than to take away – and easier still if a few families in the same friend group agree.
- Fill the gap. A ban that leaves an empty evening won't stick. Sport, a part-time job, friends in person or a project will.
For the research behind all this, read what social media actually does to teenagers.
Questions
Is social media banned for under-16s in New Zealand?
Not yet. The government introduced a bill on 24 August 2026 that would require platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook to keep under-16s off. It has to pass Parliament first, and as of early October 2026 that wasn't certain.
When will the NZ social media ban start?
There's no start date yet. The bill needs to pass, and then a regulator has to be set up. The Education Minister has said she hopes a regulator could be running by the end of 2027.
Will my child get in trouble for using social media under 16?
No. Under the proposal, the responsibility sits with the platforms. No penalties are proposed for children, parents or caregivers.
Does the ban include YouTube and messaging apps?
According to reporting by The Spinoff, YouTube would be covered, while messaging, email and video-calling apps, Roblox, Spotify and LinkedIn would be exempt. Details can change as the bill goes through Parliament.
Help your teen find their direction – one week at a time. Week by Week is an AI life and career coach for NZ students. It helps them work out what drives them, shows career paths that fit and any current local job ads, and helps them win back time from their phone. Join with a nickname – no real name needed – and free for students when their school uses it.
Sources
- The Spinoff (24 August 2026), New Zealand's proposed social media ban for under-16s, explained
- Euronews (24 August 2026), New Zealand's government introduces legislation to ban social media for under-16s
- Public Health Communication Centre (2025), Problematic social media use common among NZ teens
- eSafety Commissioner (Australia), Social media age restrictions
- Wikipedia, Social Media (Age-Restricted Users) Bill – background