National MP for Tukituki Catherine Wedd is delighted that her Social Media (Age-Appropriate Users) Bill was drawn from the ballot of Members’ Bills today.

“I am thrilled that my members bill has been drawn from the ballot. I have been advocating for more protections to keep our kids safe online and today marks considerable progress on that front.

“We know that children’s access to social media and their risk of harm online is of increasing concern to parents, teachers, medical professionals and many groups across New Zealand.

“The Social Media (Age-Restricted Users) Bill is about protecting our most vulnerable children from harmful online content.

“The bill aims to reduce cyberbullying, prevent exposure to harmful content and online exploitation, and will put an onus and social responsibility on social media companies to protect vulnerable children from harmful online content.

“As a mother of four children I am advocating for families across New Zealand who are struggling with the negative impacts social media has on their kids.

“This Bill was put in the ballot in May and was further elevated to a Government piece of work soon after, with Education Minister Erica Stanford leading the work to develop options for restricting social media for under-16s.

“The overwhelmingly positive response from mums and dads makes clear we need to progress options on restricting social media for under-16s and today is a positive step in that direction.

“This bill builds on our successful and popular cell phone ban in schools, which has led to increased student engagement and improved learning outcomes.”

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