The bill would require social media platforms to take reasonable steps to verify users' ages, including by utilising existing account information, facial technology and digital identity documents.

WELLINGTON - New Zealand's government moved ahead with plans to ban children under 16 from using social media, with legislation set to be introduced to parliament on Monday.

"Social media is exposing them to harmful content, addictive technology and pressures they are not equipped to deal with, and it's affecting their family life, mental health,…