Government announces under-16 social media ban but needs Labour votes to pass it

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the government's plan to ban social media for under-16s from Wellington on 24 August 2026. The bill has been on hold since May 2026. ACT and NZ First both oppose it, so the coalition cannot pass it alone — Labour's support is required. Labour has not yet stated a position.