Rethinking the Under 16 social media ban: Calls for more evidence

New Zealand’s online safety agency pushed back on the National Party’s proposed ban on social media for individuals under 16, warning that such a measure absolves platforms of responsibility.

Brent Carey, Netsafe CEO, told John Pulu on Pacific Mornings that a more nuanced perspective on the legislation is necessary, as social media bans in other countries have proven ineffective.

Carey says a ban is not a comprehensive solution; instead, broader strategies are needed to support young people and hold social media companies accountable.

“A ban is a blunt instrument when we need a scalpel here,” he says.

Carey says that any blanket ban should be supported by solid evidence of online harm, urging the government to focus more on the accountability of social media companies.

“We're a bit worried that this will let the platforms off the hook, and already we've seen some progress with teen accounts.

“I think it's a blend of legislation, platform accountability, parent education and personal responsibility as well,” he says.

According to research published by Netsafe earlier this month, the social cost of cyberbullying and online harm exceeds $1 billion.

Carey says the effects of cyberbullying go beyond financial implications.

“We do know that there is a hidden cost to cyberbullying in terms of not just economic, but social inclusion [and] emotional well-being,” he says.

Netsafe’s research also indicates that Māori and Pasifika communities experience online harm disproportionately.

“Maori and Pacific communities do experience more unwanted harmful digital communications than other parts of the community,” he says.

Eden Ineleo, a high school student, told Pulu on PMN Tonga that social media is an important platform for communities.

“Social media is a way for us Pasifika people to connect with our families, especially our families from back in our homelands,” she says.

Ineleo says the government should be focussed on protecting young people rather than restricting their access to online spaces.

“Instead of locking us out, they should hear our voices, and they should invite us in,” she says.

Carey says young people and members of the community should be involved in these discussions about online safety, advocating for initiatives led by Pasifika for Pasifika.

“[We need] more programs that are by young Pacific people for young Pacific people,” he says.

Carey says the recent debate has sparked important conversations about online safety and the wellbeing of young people, as well as how to ensure their safety online.

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“This is at least sparking a conversation that we need to have around what the platforms should be doing, [and] how we should keep people safe online,” he says.

Last week, UNICEF released its Innocenti Report Card, which revealed that New Zealand has the highest child suicide rate among wealthy countries.

Carey says he’s concerned that discussions about the under-16 ban could divert attention from addressing the systemic issues contributing to poor mental-health and high youth suicide rates.

“I am worried about it distracting from real mental health issues that we need to tackle,” he says.

Carey says that Netsafe is dedicated to making online safety resources available and accessible to Pasifika communities.

Next month, Netsafe will launch a new multilingual website to improve accessibility to online safety resources.

Carey emphasised the importance of working with the Cook Islands, Tokelau, and Niue to develop these materials.

“We want to do more work with our Pacific neighbours to make sure that there are online safety materials for everyone,” he says.

If you or someone you know needs support with online bullying, harassment, or general online safety advice, please call Netsafe at 0508 638 723 or text them on 4282.