Education, not a ban, is the key to tackling social media harm

It is not as headline-grabbing, but investing in long-term social media education for young people instead of pursuing a blanket ban for under-16s will reap better results.

So says the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), which urges the National Party to reconsider its options following the announcement of the private member’s bill.

NZAC member and Naenae College’s Head of Department Guidance Kamaia Renata says that while the proposed legislation’s intent is understandable, banning social media fails to address the underlying issues young people face in the digital age.

“A blanket ban might appear to be a quick fix, but it overlooks the complex reasons young people use social media and the very real harms that occur when addiction and isolation go unaddressed,” Renata says.

“For those rangatahi who are anxious, introverted, or geographically isolated, social media can be a lifeline. For others, it can fuel sleeplessness, poor mental health, and withdrawal from real-world connections.

“Both realities need to be acknowledged.”

Just like youth vaping laws, a ban won’t stop many young people from accessing social media platforms, Renata says.
Instead, it may drive use underground, making it harder for whānau and schools to identify and address harm early.

“We’ve seen it before with vaping – it’s illegal under 18, yet schools are still grappling with widespread use.

“Social media will be no different. Prohibition alone doesn’t work without proper education and support,” says Renata.

Alternatively, the Government should invest in digital citizenship-like education for young people and adults; stronger resourcing for agencies like Netsafe; and therapeutic services to support youth already struggling with digital overuse and online bullying.

Renata says frontline professionals, including school guidance counsellors, are seeing increasing numbers of students affected by poor sleep, disrupted routines, and mood disorders linked to excessive screen time.

“The harms are real, but the solution isn’t a ban.

“What we need is a national response that focuses on education, early intervention, and digital wellbeing.”