National MP Catherine Wedd’s plan to ban anyone under 16 from social media has got people talking, including the people it’s actually about.

The Social Media Age-Appropriate Users Bill, introduced in May, would make platforms check that every user is 16 or older, with fines of up to $2 million for companies that don’t follow the rules. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's backing it, saying it’s about keeping kids safe from bullying, addiction, and the kind of stuff you just shouldn’t see online.

But 17-year-old Aayush Sharma from Ormiston Senior College says it’s not that simple, and claims it's in fact a very extreme measure.

“I understand, I’ve seen the bad sides of social media. The comparison, the pressure, the endless scrolling. But just banning it? That doesn’t make those problems go away. People my age will still get on somehow: fake birthdays, VPNs, older siblings’ accounts and that’s usually even less safe.”

Instead of a full ban, Sharma thinks we should be focusing on teaching young people how to handle the online world, and work closely with organisations like Netsafe.

“You can block apps, but you can’t block the internet. If you don’t teach us how to use it properly, you’re basically just pushing us into sketchier, unmoderated corners of it.”

He says the government should be looking at things like better digital literacy programmes, teaching safe online habits, and making sure platforms take more responsibility for moderating harmful content.

“If this is about protecting young people, then talk to us first. Ask what actually works. Otherwise, it’s just adults making rules for a world they’re not living in the same way we are.”

Polls show around two-thirds of New Zealanders support the idea, but Sharma reckons public opinion isn’t the same as the right solution.

“Banning is the easy option. The harder, and better option is actually educating people. That’s what’s going to help in the long run.”

About Let Me Speak:

Let Me Speak is a youth-led movement focused on amplifying the voices of ethnic and migrant youth across Aotearoa. Founded in 2025, LMS advocates for meaningful youth representation in education, policy, and public decision-making to build a more inclusive and equitable future.
Website: letmespeak.co.nz

© Scoop Media