Social media ban backed by online harm inquiry, prompting ACT disagreement

Photo: RNZ

A social media ban for children is worth exploring further, according to an interim report into social media harm, but the party that requested the inquiry has taken the unusual step of submitting a differing view.

It comes as Australia's ban on social media for children under 16 takes effect.

The New Zealand government has explored options of a similar ban, with National keen to progress with one before the end of this term.

National MP Catherine Wedd has submitted a member's bill to legislate a ban, while the education minister is doing separate work around regulation.

ACT opposes a ban, instead requesting an inquiry by Parliament's Education and Workforce Committee into social media harm.

That inquiry has released its interim report, with a majority saying a ban was worth exploring further.

It has led ACT to submit a differing view, over concerns the inquiry was steered towards a pre-determined outcome.

The committee intends to release a final report into other regulatory measures next year.

What the report found

The inquiry heard from a number of social media platforms, including Meta and TikTok, as well as concerned parents, privacy experts and free speech groups

The committee received 430 submissions from 400 individuals and groups. Eighty-seven submitters presented in-person to the committee.

Committee acting chair National MP Carl Bates said the report reflected the "seriousness" of what the committee heard from families, experts, and young people.

"Some of the stories we heard were deeply concerning.