Children under 16 years of age will be banned on social media: Social media is no longer what used to be earlier. It has a lot of material for adults and children are also harassed. For this reason, a new initiative has been initiated in New Zealand to ban children under 16 years of age from social media. The New Zealand government believes that social media is as beneficial for children, the more dangerous it is.
Prime Minister’s initiative
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has introduced a bill, demanding a ban on social media to protect children under 16 years of age from the Internet. Many issues are being raised about the physical and mental health of children in many countries around the world. This is the reason that Laxman has proposed in this bill to verify the age of social media platforms users. If a child under the age of 16 is found on social media, the company will be fined 2 million New Zealand dollars. Luxon says, “The time has come for New Zealand to accept that although there are some good aspects of social media, it is not always good for children.” Therefore, control of this platform should be brought so that children can stay away from bad materials, cyber bullying and harassment.
Parents are appealing
So far there is no clarity on when this bill will be introduced in Parliament. However, the Prime Minister hopes that he will get the support of all the people. The draft of this bill has been prepared by his national party and the New Zealand government needs the support of every party. This law will apply only when it will get support. Laxon says, “Parents constantly tell us that they are concerned about the influence of social media on children.” In addition, they cannot even control proper control to reduce social media use by children.
Online exposure
According to Catherine Wedd of the National Party, which helps in preparing the bill, social media companies should be held accountable for this. He believes, “As a mother, I hope that when the issue of online exposure of children is discussed, people will support this bill.”
This law does not clarify which platforms it will apply. Last year, the New Zealand government banned the use of children’s mobile phones in schools, as their studies were falling.
Australia has already imposed a ban
This historical decision was already taken by Australia. In November, he banned social media including Facebook, Instagram and X for children under 16 years of age. However, Australia has not banned YouTube, so it can be used for school functions. Despite strict opposition from social media companies, this law will be implemented by December. It remains to be seen whether it passes in New Zealand or not.
