Coalition namecalling as Labour backs social media ban
The New Zealand Labour Party has announced its support for a government-led bill to ban social media for children under 16. While the bill moves to a select committee, coalition partners have criticized the legislative process and the timing of the decision.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in digital regulation policy, reflecting growing global concerns regarding the impact of social media on youth mental health.
Labour will support National's under-16s social media ban to select committee, having earlier in the day indicated "no rush" to take a position.
It encouraged the government to hold the first reading before the election but Leader of the House Louise Upston said there would not be enough time.
Coalition partners ACT and NZ First - who have long opposed the ban - have criticised the handling of the legislation, pointing to the prime minister's "lack of understanding" and National "panicking" in recent weeks.
Education Minister Erica Stanford - who had been leading the work - welcomed Labour's support, but said she would have liked to introduce it earlier.
She pointed to the time taken in discussion with Labour, despite her announcement of the bill's introduction to Parliament on Monday coming with no guarantee of Labour's support.
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