Latest news with #SamanthaMarsh
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
'Strong evidence to act': Calls grow for social media age limit
File photo: Getty Images A University of Auckland senior research fellow is calling for social media platforms to introduce enforced age limits, to help protect young people from harm. A briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre has outlined growing evidence social media use is linked to a range of mental and physical health problems. It highlights policy options for addressing these harms, including restricting access to social media for those under 16. Currently, the age limit to join the majority of platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat is 13, but it is not enforced. "Introducing an age restriction is the only comprehensive measure that addresses the full range of social media-related harms to young people," said author Dr Samantha Marsh. "It also empowers parents to set boundaries and shift social norms in a positive direction." Marsh said while social media may offer some benefits for some young people, such as helping connect with peers and find support, she warned these must be weighed carefully against mounting evidence of harm. "There's a huge imbalance. The weight of evidence showing that these platforms can negatively affect youth mental health has become too great to ignore," she said. "We now have years of consistent findings: young people who spend more time on social media are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and disrupted sleep. "These findings come not only from surveys, but also from longitudinal studies, randomised trials, and robust systematic reviews." Marsh said any changes to social media access should be accompanied by a coordinated effort to provide on and offline support for vulnerable youth, as well as empowering communication campaigns. The briefing's release coincides with the government's inquiry into online harms experienced by young people, which is currently open for public consultation, with submissions closing on 30 July. Marsh said the inquiry was a vital opportunity to build healthier digital environments. "Political decision-makers now have a strong enough evidence base to act. Delaying access to social media and supporting youth and whānau through a coordinated public health response is the path forward."
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Social media age restriction needed to protect young people from harm
ABC social media graphic. Photo: Supplied/ABC A University of Auckland senior research fellow is calling for social media platforms to introduce enforced age limits, to help protect young people from harm. A briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre has outlined growing evidence social media use is linked to a range of mental and physical health problems. It highlights policy options for addressing these harms, including restricting access to social media for those under 16. Currently, the age limit to join the majority of platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat is 13, but it is not enforced. "Introducing an age restriction is the only comprehensive measure that addresses the full range of social media-related harms to young people," said author Dr Samantha Marsh. "It also empowers parents to set boundaries and shift social norms in a positive direction." Marsh said while social media may offer some benefits for some young people, such as helping connect with peers and find support, she warned these must be weighed carefully against mounting evidence of harm. "There's a huge imbalance. The weight of evidence showing that these platforms can negatively affect youth mental health has become too great to ignore," she said. "We now have years of consistent findings: young people who spend more time on social media are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and disrupted sleep. "These findings come not only from surveys, but also from longitudinal studies, randomised trials, and robust systematic reviews." Marsh said any changes to social media access should be accompanied by a coordinated effort to provide on and offline support for vulnerable youth, as well as empowering communication campaigns. The briefing's release coincides with the government's inquiry into online harms experienced by young people, which is currently open for public consultation, with submissions closing on 30 July . Marsh said the inquiry was a vital opportunity to build healthier digital environments. "Political decision-makers now have a strong enough evidence base to act. Delaying access to social media and supporting youth and whānau through a coordinated public health response is the path forward."
Scoop
5 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Thousands Of Kiwi Kids Harmed Online, And No One Is Accountable
Newly released police data confirms what B416 is hearing from the front lines of education, health and law enforcement: children in New Zealand are being harmed by social media, and no one is being held responsible. More than 2,000 children have been recorded as victims of harmful digital communications since it was introduced in 2015, according to data released to B416 under the Official Information Act. Three out of four victims are girls. Nearly 900 children were recorded as offenders under the Harmful Digital Communications Act (HDCA), but very few cases make it to court. The majority are handled informally, often through warnings or alternative action. The HDCA covers serious online harm, including emotional abuse, privacy breaches and sharing intimate images without consent. B416 spokesperson Dr Samantha Marsh, from the University of Auckland, says the figures reflect a system failing to keep pace with the scale of harm. 'This data backs up what we are hearing every week from schools, health professionals and those working in law enforcement: children are being harmed online, and the guardrails that should protect them are missing,' says Dr Marsh. 'We don't let 12-year-olds into nightclubs. Why are we letting them into algorithm-driven digital environments that are designed to manipulate and addict?' She says the majority of cases never make it to court not because the harm isn't real, but because the current laws are not fit for purpose. B416 is calling for a minimum age of 16 for access to social media, alongside stronger enforcement, platform accountability, and education. The campaign is encouraging those on the frontlines of this issue, including parents, teachers, health professionals, and young people themselves, to share their experiences as part of the current Parliamentary inquiry into social media and youth mental health. Submissions close on 30 July. 'Online harm is often hidden and there is shame for many around this. And this inquiry is a chance for families and young people to let lawmakers know how harmful things are for young people,' Dr Marsh said. Submit here:
Scoop
06-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
New Charity Welcomes Private Bill To Set Minimum Age Of 16 To Access Social Media
Press Release – B4-16 A newly established charity dedicated to improving online safety for children is welcoming the Government's announcement this morning that a private member's bill has been introduced to set a minimum age of 16 to access social media. B4-16 (Before 16) is a non-partisan, independent group of parents, public health experts and business leaders who have been advocating for greater online protection for children, saying New Zealand is falling behind comparable countries in protecting children from online harm. Today's announcement follows Australia's groundbreaking move in November last year to introduce the world's first age restriction for under-16s on social media, requiring platforms to take 'reasonable steps' to prevent underage use. B4-16 is urging New Zealand policymakers to follow suit with a recent Horizon poll revealing 74% of adults support setting an age limit for social media access for children. 'Children need to be tech-savvy to thrive in today's digital world – digital literacy is 100% essential. But social media is a different beast. It's designed to be addictive, persuasive, and often exposes young minds to harmful content and pressures they're not developmentally ready to handle. 'Delaying access for children doesn't mean denying technology. It just means we're giving Kiwi kids time to build resilience, critical thinking, and emotional maturity before we open the gates to an environment that is built for adult engagement,' says B4-16 co-Chair Cecilia Robinson. While Australia, the UK, the EU and the US have introduced legislation to regulate social media and shield young people from online harm, New Zealand has not followed suit. Unlike Australia – which has an independent eSafety Commissioner with powers to investigate harm, enforce standards, and hold platforms accountable – New Zealand has no dedicated regulator. 'At the moment, we put Big Tech first. We need a system that puts our children first,' says Dr Samantha Marsh, a public health researcher with the University of Auckland, and B4-16 advisor. 'It's time for a truly independent regulatory body with the power to protect our children. Social media is harmful in a variety of ways, but particularly for young children. Education alone doesn't change behaviour – regulation is needed,' says Marsh. A growing body of international evidence shows that social media is a high-risk environment for children's mental health, emotional wellbeing, and cognitive development. 'At Outward Bound, I've seen first-hand the positive impact on teens' mental resilience when they step away from social media for days and weeks at a time. If we can protect growing brains and bodies for longer from addictive and harmful algorithms, we will be a better society for it. There is so much at stake,' said B4-16 's Malindi Maclean who is also tumuaki CEO of Outward Bound New Zealand. The Ministry of Health's latest New Zealand Health Survey revealed the number of 15–24 year olds in high or very high psychological distress increased by 400% for the eleven year period to 2023. Studies consistently link social media use with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, sleep disruption, and poor academic outcomes. In 2023, Youthline's State of the Generation Report found that 75% of young people believed mental health was the biggest issue they face, and half of all young people in Aotearoa said social media was a major issue for them. B416 says it's a complex issue which is too big for parents to manage on their own. 'We've got strong research showing social media is harmful, that it's structurally changing our children's brains – and it's doing it at scale,' said Marsh. 'It's a public health issue that requires regulation. New Zealand has laws to protect our children from smoking and alcohol and we need to do the same for social media.' A 2024 Horizon Research poll found that 74% of New Zealanders support a legal age restriction for social media, with 83% concerned about harmful and inappropriate content online. In its report, Meeting the Mental Health needs of young New Zealanders, the Office for the Auditor-General also raised concerns about rising levels of mental distress among young people aged 12-24. It estimated that mental illness costs New Zealand about 5% of gross domestic product annually – more than $20b. B4-16 says the campaign presents a clear opportunity for cross-party action and is seeking government-wide support for regulation. B4-16 is calling for: legislation to set a minimum age of 16 to access social media platforms the implementation of stronger 'age assurance' systems for age verification a dedicated online safety regulator who is responsible for protecting children and young people from online harm, and has enforceable powers
Scoop
06-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New Charity Welcomes Private Bill To Set Minimum Age Of 16 To Access Social Media
Press Release – B4-16 Children need to be tech-savvy to thrive in todays digital world – digital literacy is 100% essential. But social media is a different beast. Its designed to be addictive, persuasive, and often exposes young minds to harmful content and pressures theyre … A newly established charity dedicated to improving online safety for children is welcoming the Government's announcement this morning that a private member's bill has been introduced to set a minimum age of 16 to access social media. B4-16 (Before 16) is a non-partisan, independent group of parents, public health experts and business leaders who have been advocating for greater online protection for children, saying New Zealand is falling behind comparable countries in protecting children from online harm. Today's announcement follows Australia's groundbreaking move in November last year to introduce the world's first age restriction for under-16s on social media, requiring platforms to take 'reasonable steps' to prevent underage use. B4-16 is urging New Zealand policymakers to follow suit with a recent Horizon poll revealing 74% of adults support setting an age limit for social media access for children. 'Children need to be tech-savvy to thrive in today's digital world – digital literacy is 100% essential. But social media is a different beast. It's designed to be addictive, persuasive, and often exposes young minds to harmful content and pressures they're not developmentally ready to handle. 'Delaying access for children doesn't mean denying technology. It just means we're giving Kiwi kids time to build resilience, critical thinking, and emotional maturity before we open the gates to an environment that is built for adult engagement,' says B4-16 co-Chair Cecilia Robinson. While Australia, the UK, the EU and the US have introduced legislation to regulate social media and shield young people from online harm, New Zealand has not followed suit. Unlike Australia – which has an independent eSafety Commissioner with powers to investigate harm, enforce standards, and hold platforms accountable – New Zealand has no dedicated regulator. 'At the moment, we put Big Tech first. We need a system that puts our children first,' says Dr Samantha Marsh, a public health researcher with the University of Auckland, and B4-16 advisor. 'It's time for a truly independent regulatory body with the power to protect our children. Social media is harmful in a variety of ways, but particularly for young children. Education alone doesn't change behaviour – regulation is needed,' says Marsh. A growing body of international evidence shows that social media is a high-risk environment for children's mental health, emotional wellbeing, and cognitive development. 'At Outward Bound, I've seen first-hand the positive impact on teens' mental resilience when they step away from social media for days and weeks at a time. If we can protect growing brains and bodies for longer from addictive and harmful algorithms, we will be a better society for it. There is so much at stake,' said B4-16 's Malindi Maclean who is also tumuaki CEO of Outward Bound New Zealand. The Ministry of Health's latest New Zealand Health Survey revealed the number of 15–24 year olds in high or very high psychological distress increased by 400% for the eleven year period to 2023. Studies consistently link social media use with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, sleep disruption, and poor academic outcomes. In 2023, Youthline's State of the Generation Report found that 75% of young people believed mental health was the biggest issue they face, and half of all young people in Aotearoa said social media was a major issue for them. B416 says it's a complex issue which is too big for parents to manage on their own. 'We've got strong research showing social media is harmful, that it's structurally changing our children's brains – and it's doing it at scale,' said Marsh. 'It's a public health issue that requires regulation. New Zealand has laws to protect our children from smoking and alcohol and we need to do the same for social media.' A 2024 Horizon Research poll found that 74% of New Zealanders support a legal age restriction for social media, with 83% concerned about harmful and inappropriate content online. In its report, Meeting the Mental Health needs of young New Zealanders, the Office for the Auditor-General also raised concerns about rising levels of mental distress among young people aged 12-24. It estimated that mental illness costs New Zealand about 5% of gross domestic product annually – more than $20b. B4-16 says the campaign presents a clear opportunity for cross-party action and is seeking government-wide support for regulation. B4-16 is calling for: legislation to set a minimum age of 16 to access social media platforms the implementation of stronger 'age assurance' systems for age verification a dedicated online safety regulator who is responsible for protecting children and young people from online harm, and has enforceable powers
