March 05, 2026

#national: Select Committee Report Highlights Growing Harm Facing Young People Online

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 5, 2026

A parliamentary inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders encounter online has concluded that stronger protections and clearer regulation are needed to address the risks young people face in digital spaces.

The final report from Parliament’s Education and Workforce Select Committee outlines growing concern about the scale and seriousness of online harm affecting children and teenagers across Aotearoa. The inquiry found that young people are increasingly exposed to cyberbullying, harmful content, exploitation and other risks that can have lasting psychological and social impacts.

The report states that harm from online platforms is widespread and evolving quickly, with social media algorithms, targeted advertising and addictive platform design contributing to the problem. Committee members say the scale of harm requires coordinated action from government, online companies and wider society.

Among the key proposals discussed in the report are stronger accountability measures for digital platforms, new legal duties for technology companies and improved support for parents and caregivers to help protect young people online.

A majority of committee members also supported the idea of restricting social media access for people under the age of 16, similar to measures introduced in other countries. However, the recommendation has not been universally supported across the political spectrum.

Some parties have raised concerns about the practicality of enforcing age restrictions and the potential privacy implications of requiring users to verify their identity online. Critics say such measures could create new risks around personal data and digital surveillance.

The report also calls for clearer national leadership on online safety, including the possibility of establishing an independent regulator responsible for overseeing digital platforms and enforcing safety standards.

Supporters of stronger regulation argue that social media companies should be required to take greater responsibility for the effects their platforms have on young users, particularly when business models rely heavily on maximising engagement.

Alongside the release of the final report, political leaders have described the inquiry as an important step in developing a more comprehensive approach to online safety.

Advocates say the findings reinforce the need for better education and awareness so families and young people understand how online platforms operate and the risks that can arise in digital environments.

They argue that protecting young people online will require more than a single policy change, instead calling for a broader strategy that includes stronger rules for technology companies, improved digital literacy and better tools for parents and caregivers.

The select committee’s work follows extensive consultation with communities, educators, digital safety experts and young people themselves, with hundreds of submissions highlighting both the benefits and dangers of life online.

While the recommendations are not binding, the report is expected to influence future government decisions about online regulation and the responsibilities of technology companies operating in New Zealand.

As digital technology continues to shape everyday life, lawmakers say the challenge will be finding ways to protect young people while still preserving the positive opportunities the online world can offer.