Labour to support government bill banning social media for under 16s

Tuesday 25 August 2026 · 3 outlets · 6 reports · updated Tue 25 Aug, 5:00pm

In this story Christopher Luxon, Labour Party, National Party, ACT Party, NZ First, Chris Hipkins

Labour has decided to support the Government's proposed ban on social media for children under 16 during its first reading. While Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said there is no time for a vote before Parliament rises, the bill aims to restrict platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. ACT and NZ First oppose the legislation.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffTue 25 Aug, 8:40am

   Everyone seems to agree something needs to be done about social media. But what? Tell us (opens in new tab)

   • Labour to back social media ban, National says Stuff poll must’ve swayed them (opens in new tab) Tue 25 Aug, 2:45pm
2. NZ HeraldTue 25 Aug, 11:51am

   ‘A really big risk’: Labour frosty over Government’s social media ban proposal (opens in new tab)

   • Election 2026: Coalition agreements in spotlight after Government’s social media ban stoush (opens in new tab) Tue 25 Aug, 5:00pm
3. 1NewsTue 25 Aug, 2:17pm

   Govt says no time for social media bill after Labour backs it (opens in new tab)

   • Labour backs under-16s social media ban – handing Luxon lifeline (opens in new tab) Tue 25 Aug, 2:17pm