New Zealand Targets Social Media for Teens | Bermuda News

New Zealand is set to become the latest country cracking down on social media use by kids under sixteen, with a new bill requiring platforms to verify users’ ages — even using facial recognition — in an effort to shield young minds from harmful content and addictive design. Inspired by Australia’s similar December ban targeting TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, the move aims to curb sleep loss, academic decline, and mental health struggles among teens. But not everyone agrees: New Zealand First, a key coalition partner, fiercely opposes the legislation, warning it’s a slippery slope and that parental responsibility should take precedence. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern acknowledges flaws — including inevitable workarounds — but insists the stakes are too high to ignore. Platforms that fail to comply could face fines up to 10% of global revenue. The bill heads to Parliament soon, facing an uncertain path amid political pushback. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/64d71f4d0e076ef2