Meta introduces teen account protections for Facebook and Messenger in New Zealand

Thursday 25 September 2025 · 8 outlets · 5 reports · updated Fri 26 Sep 2025, 8:43am

In this story Facebook, Instagram

Meta has rolled out new Teen Account protections in New Zealand, which include automatic privacy settings and parental controls. While the company aims to improve safety, advocacy groups have criticised the move as a public relations stunt. These changes arrive as the Government considers banning social media for those under 16.

How they headlined it

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1. The PressThu 25 Sep 2025, 9:00pm

   Meta to restrict under 16s on Facebook, but critic calls it a ‘media stunt’ (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab), Waikato Times (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldFri 26 Sep 2025, 5:00am

   Meta expands Teen Account protections to NZ, U16 campaigner sceptical (opens in new tab)

3. NewsroomFri 26 Sep 2025, 5:00am

   Meta’s teen account rollout nothing but a PR stunt, says advocacy group (opens in new tab)

4. Stuff via RNZFri 26 Sep 2025, 6:08am

   Meta to restrict under-16s on Facebook, but critics sceptical tools will reduce harm (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab)

5. 1News via RNZFri 26 Sep 2025, 8:43am

   Meta to restrict under-16s on Facebook (opens in new tab)