Investigating social media restrictions for under-16s will now become part of the Government’s work programme, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today.
Luxon said Education Minister Erica Stanford has been assigned to “explore options” to be brought to Cabinet.
Originally a members’ bill by National MP Catherine Wedd, Luxon said there had been an “overwhelmingly positive response from mums and dads”, and it would be added to the Government’s work programme as a result.
“We need to progress options to restrict social media for under-16s and as such, I have tasked Erica Stanford to lead this work.”
Speaking at the launch of a new charity in support of the ban, Luxon said he was concerned by the harm social media could cause young New Zealanders.
“I believe restricting access for under-16s would help protect our kids from bullying, harmful content and social media addiction.”
He said he did not see it as a political issue but a New Zealand issue and that he sought support from across Parliament.
“Erica and I both will be reaching out to leaders of all political parties, because I think it’s in all of our kids interest, irrespective of how their parents vote.”
Australia was currently testing a range of options for restricting social media for under-16s, while the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada and some US states were exploring the issue.
Stanford would consider how those jurisdictions were implementing restrictions and what could work in New Zealand, Luxon said.
“Erica will work across Government to explore options for legislation and implementation and bring these to Cabinet for consideration.”
Luxon also said he wanted the legislation to be made law before the end of the Government’s term.
The scope of the Education portfolio will be amended to enable Erica Stanford to commission advice and direct officials from a range of departments on reducing social media harm for under-16s.
National MP Catherine Wedd’s members bill would remain in the ballot as Stanford’s work progressed.
“I would like to thank Catherine Wedd for her advocacy so far and look forward to seeing how her members’ bill can feed into this process,” Luxon said.
Labour’s children and education spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said the party was open to a conversation on the bill, saying they were pleased the Government listened when they said it should be a Government Bill.
“But right now mums want to hear from the Government about how they’re going to help them pay the bills. National is using this as a distraction from their appalling decision to cut women’s pay.”