Restricting access to minors social networks
The New Zealand government announced a Legislative proposal This seeks to prevent children under 16 years of age from reaching social networks, with the aim of protecting them from the risks associated with these platforms.
The initiative is presented in a global context where International organizers They discuss how to protect children and adolescents from violent or disturbing content online.
Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, detailed a set of laws that would require the minimum age of 16 years to use social networks, and create fines of up to $ 2 million from New Zealand for companies that fail to comply.
Inspiration in the Australian model
The proposal depends on Australian legislation, which is considered one of the most stringent companies in the world to regulate social networks, which was adopted in November last year.
Luxon said: “It is related to the protection of our girls and our children, it is related to ensuring that social media companies in their role in maintaining their safety.”
The project was formulated by the National Party, the main force of the government coalition, and its approval, and it will require the support of the other two allied parties.
Technology resistance and international context
Large technological companies rejected these types of regulations, and rehabilitated them as “Vagas” and “problems”Control of concerns about privacy and technical frequency to verify age.
The New Zealand scale adds to a International Mile To organize children’s access to networks, driven by increasing concerns about mental and college health and exposure to inappropriate content.
The UNICEF report (2023) indicates that 80 % of adolescents from 13 to 15 years use social networks, which led to multiple alerts about their emotional well.
The effect of mental health and local statistics
study American Medical Association Magazine (JAMA) revealed that the intense use of social networks before the age of 16 is linked to an increase in the risk of anxiety and depression.
In New Zealand, data from Ministry of Health It indicates that severe psychological distress levels between young people between the ages of 15 and 19 increased 40 % between 2012 and 2022.
Netsafe, the country’s cybersecurity entity, stated that nearly one in three minors was a victim of online harassment. This position enhances the application goal Strict age discharge Through economic sanctions.
Source: New Zealand government, UNICEF, Jama, Ministry of Health, NetSafe.
