Should New Zealand Consider a Social Media Ban for Kids?

Australia’s new social media ban for under-16s has sparked everyone’s interest—and for good reason. The idea is to protect kids from the well-documented harms of social media, but it’s not without controversy. Is it realistic? Is it fair? And should New Zealand follow suit, or wait to see how it unfolds across the ditch?

We had a lively discussion earlier this week at a member meetup - trying to answer the questions of whether we should follow in Australia’s footprints or not. Here is a summary of that debate.

Can You Really Ban Social Media for Teens?

First off, enforcing this kind of ban is no walk in the park. Australia’s plan involves making platforms verify ages, which, let’s face it, they’re entirely capable of doing. These companies collect mountains of data—they know exactly who’s using their platforms. But teenagers are clever. Fake accounts? Borrowing a sibling’s login? No problem.

As one member pointed out, “If you ban social media, young people will find other solutions. Teenagers are very clever. They can get what they want one way or another.”

And it’s not just about enforcement. What happens when you tell teens, “You can’t have this”? They’re going to want it even more. Rebellion is practically part of the teenage DNA.

For New Zealand, the real question is whether we could realistically enforce such a ban here. Watching how Australia handles these challenges could give us valuable insights into whether this approach is viable—or worth the effort.

For a detailed academic view on the logistics of the ban check out - How can Australia actually keep young people off social media and porn sites?

Social Media and Young Minds

We don’t need to sugarcoat it: social media has a huge impact on young people, and not all of it is good. Harmful trends—like the current trend encouraging tanning based on high UV indexes (seriously, what?)—are just the start. Social media thrives on gamification, fear of missing out (FOMO), and endless comparisons, all of which can take a toll on mental health and self-esteem.

“Social media isn’t taken in isolation,” one member noted. “The problem is how it intertwines with broader societal trends.”

That’s a key point. Social media isn’t the only issue—it’s part of a bigger picture. Parents, for example, often hand kids their phones to keep the peace, or give them old devices with accounts still logged in. This normalises heavy social media use and sends the wrong message.

If we want to protect young minds, parents need to take a bigger role. Modelling healthy behaviour—like limiting screen time and showing kids how to unplug—is essential. Without that, even the best policies will struggle to make a difference.

Education: The Real Game-Changer

So, what’s the alternative? Education. If we teach kids how to use social media safely and critically, we can give them the tools they need to navigate the online world without falling into its traps.

“If we could build learning safely into schools, it would make a huge difference,” one participant said. “Digital literacy should be as normal as maths or science, helping kids think critically about what they see online” … and make smarter choices.

But education isn’t just for kids. Parents need support too. A lot of them feel overwhelmed by the demands of managing their kids’ digital lives. Practical workshops on screen time controls, understanding social media algorithms, and creating healthier habits could go a long way.

And let’s change the narrative. Instead of focusing solely on the risks, we should highlight the benefits of stepping away from social media—better mental health, more meaningful relationships, and a chance to reconnect with the world offline.

What About Equity?

Here’s a tricky part: not everyone uses social media the same way. For kids in remote or from marginalised communities, social media can be a lifeline, connecting them to the wider world and vital resources. A blanket ban could unintentionally cut these kids off, increasing their isolation.

“Living remotely, marginalised segments of society will potentially be impacted more adversely by this ban,” a member explained.

If New Zealand were to consider a ban, we’d need to think carefully about how to avoid these unintended consequences. Tailored solutions—like age-specific platforms or better moderation—might be more equitable options.

Who’s Responsible?

This brings us to the big question: whose job is it to fix this?

Governments like Australia’s are stepping in because the status quo isn’t working. But is it their responsibility? or should parents take the lead? Realistically, we need both.

Parents must step up—setting boundaries, modelling healthier habits, and not handing over devices so freely. But governments also have a role to play, whether through education, support for parents, or holding platforms accountable for the addictive designs driving these problems.

Let’s not let the platforms off the hook either. With their profits, they have the resources to implement meaningful protections for minors. As one member put it, “They’re not trying to satisfy their users—they’re employing predatory practices to improve revenue.” It’s time for that to change. Platforms could be offering age controlled solutions, equally they collect so much data they completely understand who their users are and what they are accessing - so could place more controls automatically for younger users as well.

So, Should We Follow Australia?

Our member discussion was lively and the topic well debated highlighting many angles and perspectives - there is no one solution.

There’s no easy answer. On one hand, it’s refreshing to see a government taking action on an issue we’ve been debating for years. On the other hand, Australia’s approach feels heavy-handed and may not work as intended.

For now, New Zealand might be wise to wait and see how this plays out. If Australia’s ban succeeds, we’ll have a roadmap to follow. If it doesn’t, we can learn from their experience and craft a better, tailored solution.

Whether we adopt a similar policy or explore alternatives, one thing is clear: we can’t ignore the harms social media is causing, especially for young people.

The way forward is likely a mix of solutions—education for kids and parents, holding platforms accountable, and smarter regulations that balance protection with practicality. Whatever path we choose, the goal is the same: a safer, healthier digital future for everyone.

Let’s keep the conversation going—and maybe start taking action closer to home.