Petition request

That the House of Representatives pass online safety legislation specifically for children that includes a minimum age of 16 for social media access.

Petition reason

Evidence shows that children may be harmed through use of social media, including mental-health issues. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended states take strong measures to protect children from harmful and misleading online content. The UK, EU, US and Australia have introduced online-safety legislation for children. So far, NZ has not. We believe there is an urgent need for a law that delays social-media access until age 16 and to safeguard our children and our future.

Petition progress

  • Open for signatures
  • Closed for signatures
  • Select Committee
  • Reported
  • Referred to Minister
Number of signatures: 44416
Date presented: 19 Nov 2025
Considered by: Education and Workforce
SC Report(s): 11 Mar 2026 (Final)
Presenting member: Catherine Wedd
Closing date: 11 Nov 2025