Should we follow Australia’s lead and ban children from social media?

Social media apps including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Threads, Telegram, and more.
Photo: Victor Ochrimets / 123RF

If the government gets its way, young Australians could see their access to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok restricted.

Labor leader Chris Hipkins said he was open to a similar approach in New Zealand.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has proposed setting a minimum age for using social media platforms, although the exact age is still up for debate as the government consults on a 14-16 age bracket.

Hipkins said Morning report was interested in what was happening in Australia and was open to introducing something similar in New Zealand.

Provided, of course, that there is evidence that it will make a difference.

“As a parent, I can say that I use the tools available to limit my young children’s access to online content, but they are not foolproof, there are ways to get around them.”

Hipkins said it was important to educate young people about how to stay safe online.

“The online environment can be very harmful to children.

“I’m really curious to see what the Australians are doing, I’m open to supporting it, but I want to see the evidence first.”

He added that keeping children safe online is likely to become an increasing problem.