'The day social media dies': Kiwi teens hit back at proposed under-16 ban

Rachel MaherMultimedia Journalist·NZ Herald·15 Aug, 2026 09:00 PM7 mins to read‌Teenagers say social media is about more than scrolling, with platforms increasingly central to friendships and communication. Photo / 123rf

They spend hours scrolling, message their parents on Snapchat and admit they have already seen things online they wish they hadn’t. But as politicians push to lock under-16s out of social media, the teenagers who would be banned have a message for rule-makers. Rachel Maher speaks to 14- and 15-year-olds

'The day social media dies': Kiwi teens hit back at proposed under-16 ban

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