Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the Government’s efforts to explore restrictions on social media use for under-16s, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced.

Luxon said the Government had listened to public concern and would move forward with a work programme focused on protecting young people from the negative impacts of social media.

“The overwhelmingly positive response from mums and dads makes it clear we need to progress options to restrict social media for under-16s, and as such, I have tasked Erica Stanford to lead this work,” Luxon said.

“I am concerned by the harm social media can cause young New Zealanders and I believe restricting access for under-16s would help protect our kids from bullying, harmful content and social media addiction.”

Stanford will work across multiple government departments to explore legislative and practical options for limiting access to social media. She will also study models being trialled or implemented in other countries, including Australia, the UK, the EU, Canada, and parts of the United States.

The Education portfolio will be formally expanded to allow Stanford to commission advice and direct officials from a range of agencies.

National MP Catherine Wedd’s members’ bill proposing a ban on social media for under-16s will remain in the ballot while the Ministerial work progresses.

“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.