The proposal marks New Zealand as the latest country to mull such a law since Australia enacted its world-first under-16s social media ban in December 2025.

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,…