More than two-thirds of New Zealand voters support restricting social media access for under-16s, a 1News Verian poll has found.
The results come just weeks after Australia passed world-first legislation preventing young teens from creating accounts on platforms like Facebook and Snapchat.
In the latest 1News poll, people were asked: “The Australian government has introduced a minimum age for access to social media.
“The laws will require technology companies to restrict individuals under the age of 16 years from accessing their social media platforms. Should New Zealand introduce legislation that restricts access to social media for young people under the age of 16?”
The poll results showed that 68% backed introducing similar legislation in New Zealand, while 22% were opposed, and 10% were undecided or preferred not to say.
National Party supporters and women showed the strongest support for the proposed restrictions, while opposition was highest among 18-34-year-olds and men.
Govt not considering a ban – for now
An age limit for social media isn’t something the Government has been considering.
Australian govt plans to ban under 16s from social media
There are questions over the ban’s effectiveness, Australia Correspondent Aziz Al Sa’afin reports.
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Australian govt plans to ban under 16s from social media2:18
There are questions over the ban’s effectiveness, Australia Correspondent Aziz Al Sa’afin reports. (Source: 1News)
But the Internal Affairs Minister and Labour Party leader both told 1News they would be watching what happens in Australia when its new laws come into effect in late 2025.
University of Auckland researcher Samantha Marsh said government intervention could help shift social attitudes around youth social media use.
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“There should be some policy around this to protect our kids and I think that the time is coming,” she said.
“The [Australian] government’s acknowledging that there is harm and that they’re going to do something about it, because these companies have been earning a lot of money off harming our children for many years now.”
