Current Affairs - International - Discussion

New Zealand is preparing to debate a bill that would restrict social media access for children under 16. Introduced by National Party MP Catherine Wedd, the legislation mandates age verification by tech companies before allowing new users to register. The move addresses rising concerns over teen mental health, cyberbullying, misinformation, and online body image pressures. If passed, New Zealand would join a small group of countries adopting strict social media access laws for minors. While proponents emphasise safety, critics warn about privacy risks and the potential ineffectiveness of such bans compared to education and parental guidance.