National MP Catherine Wedd has introduced a bill that would ban children under the age of 16 from using social media, saying it’s time to take meaningful action to protect young people from digital harm.
In an interview with chrislynchmedia.com, Wedd said the bill aims to address growing concerns from parents, teachers, and principals about cyberbullying, exploitation, anxiety, and addiction among young users.
“This bill is really focused on protecting our young people in this ever-evolving world of social media — something we were never exposed to growing up, thank goodness,” she said.
Wedd said there wasn’t a single defining moment that prompted the bill, but rather a groundswell of concern.
“As a mother of four young children, I’m living and breathing it. Parents and educators are saying, ‘when are we going to do something about social media?’ The behavioural impacts are real, and they’re happening now.”
The Social Media Age-Appropriate Users Bill, which she lodged in the parliamentary ballot this week, would put the responsibility on social media companies to implement age verification systems. Wedd said the approach mirrors recent legislation in Australia, and aligns with similar efforts being considered in the UK, Europe, and parts of the United States.
Verification systems could involve third-party platforms requiring passports or driver’s licences to prove a user is over 16, though details would be refined during implementation. “The onus needs to be on the platforms to ensure that under-16s can’t access their services,” she said.
Wedd confirmed the Prime Minister is supportive of exploring the idea further, and she hopes the bill will become a government priority.
During the interview, Chris Lynch Media raised concerns about youth crime in Christchurch being filmed and shared online by offenders who are well under 16 years old.
Wedd agreed it was a disturbing trend.
“We are seeing a lot of content being shared by young people who may not understand the consequences. This bill is about stopping that harm — because their brains and maturity levels aren’t yet equipped to manage those decisions.”
She said social media addiction is another growing issue, and referenced the Government’s earlier decision to ban cellphones in schools — a move she said had been well received.
“That policy was hugely successful and popular. Now kids are talking to each other again. They’re more engaged in class. This is the natural next step.”
She said teachers had already reached out to her in support of the social media bill. “They’re seeing first-hand the impact of online behaviour spilling into school life.”
When asked how the effectiveness of the bill could be measured, Wedd said there is already plenty of research connecting social media use to anxiety, poor mental health and low educational outcomes. “And parents don’t need a report to tell them what they’re already seeing at home.”
She acknowledged that some political parties, including ACT, have expressed opposition to the proposal. But Wedd said she would continue to advocate for the bill with families and educators.
“We need to raise awareness, have these conversations, and protect our children from harm. Parents need more support — and this is one step in the right direction.”
