“Number two: according to the Australian government, it isn’t a ban.” Under the new law, nobody under 16 is allowed to create or retain an account on any of the following platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Twitch, X, Reddit or Kick.

These platforms must now take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16-year-olds from having accounts, otherwise they could face court-ordered civil penalties and be fined up to AU$49.5m.

So, is New Zealand going to follow Australia’s lead? Yeah, probably.

Made with the support of NZ On Air.