From sex to criminal content! This time, New Zealand is on the way to ban the use of social media by teenagers under the age of 16. A bill was introduced in that country's parliament on Monday. The bill calls for the banning of platforms like Instagram, TikTok by teenagers under the age of 16.
Last December, Australia banned the use of social media for teenagers under the age of 16. After that, many countries including Britain, France followed that path. Under New Zealand's proposed bill, companies like Meta could be fined up to 10 percent of their revenue if they fail to comply. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Lukeson said, “We cannot accept the loss of a generation in the country. One in three children between the ages of 13 and 17 now use social media for at least five hours a day. Social media is filled with harmful content. Viewing it is harming children's family life, mental health, sleep and education.”
Note that Australia was the first to ban the use of social media by teenagers under 16. The law came into effect from December 10 last year. A company that does not comply with this law can be fined up to 50 million Australian dollars. In Indian currency that is more than 300 crore rupees. But this penalty is only for companies. No minor or his guardian shall be punished. TikTok and Instagram are also banned. However, mediums like YouTube Kids are exempted. Protests also started in Australia after the law came into force.