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June 2026

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“Line In The Sand”: Children’s Commissioner Says Social Media Ban Isn’t Enough
by Lawrence D'Oliveiro 02 Jun '26

02 Jun '26

Our Children’s Commissioner <https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360985806/line-sand-childrens-commissioner-…> says a ban on social media by underage users is a “blunt instrument”. But rather than let the platforms go back to doing as they wish, Achmad is pushing the Government to attempt something more ambitious. While a ban would take kids off social platforms, the Australian model demonstrates that it does not make tech companies liable for the harm caused, nor does it always alter how they operate. “We need legislation that is going to set requirements on these tech companies and social media platforms to prevent harm, to report harm, and to remove harmful content,” Achmad says.“I think that together, New Zealand and other countries can make that collective effort and draw a line in the sand around our expectations on how these big businesses should not be negatively impacting the rights of children.” While the social media companies hate the ban, I’m sure they would hate this even worse. Because it’s a more direct attack on their very business model, by forcing them to take more responsibility for its effects.

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