Quick fixes make big messes. Let’s think twice.
This is silly. You know what happens when poorly written, broad, and blunt laws are passed? They make the problems they claim to fix even worse. The latest idea to ban under-16s from social media is a perfect example.
If you’ve been following the headlines, you’ll have seen story after story suggesting that New Zealand could ‘lead the way’ with another so-called ‘world first’. But being first doesn’t mean being right.
Just a few days ago, I mentioned that PILLAR is pushing back against this proposal. The person I was speaking to hadn’t even heard about it. Their first reaction? “I disagree with you.” That’s how quickly emotion can replace reason in this debate.
I know you’re more thoughtful than that. You’ll look at this twice.
At PILLAR, we believe in a strong, thriving society where individuals, families and parents lead the way - not the state. When Government oversteps and reaches into areas it shouldn’t, it creates more problems than it solves. When personal responsibility and privacy are ignored, we build bad habits into our culture and allow the state to invade our spheres of personal responsibility.
Let’s look at what’s at stake.
False security – Like a get-rich-quick scheme for public policy. A blanket social-media ban sells us the idea that once it’s in place, the problems will vanish: loneliness, anxiety, depression, all gone. But it doesn’t work that way, when the state starts reaching into family life, undermining parental rights, and invading young people’s privacy, we lose a key balance that keeps society healthy. We need more creative solutions.
The issues to be dealt with are real and need attention, but pretending a single blunt state operated law will fix them is wishful thinking that give us a false sense of progress.
Education – When I was a teenager, social media exposed me to some of the best teachers, thinkers, and creatives of all time. Access to knowledge and the right to receive and impart information is not an adults-only privileges. Young people today can learn from the world’s greatest minds with a few clicks. Why would we shut that down without a second thought? This bill does not elevate young people through education, if anything it excludes them from it.
Despite saying that the bill, “promotes digital literacy and public awareness programs to educate parents and children on safe online behaviour,” the bill never in fact prescribes either of those things!
Clearly, the focus and priority is elsewhere…
Community – Social media isn’t just doomscrolling. It’s where young people find advice, support, and connection. From mental-health organisations to youth charities, countless positive voices reach young people online. Ban them, and you silence the very help so many need and find online.
Migration – Where will the kids go? They won’t stop using their phones; they’ll find workarounds, and VPNs. They’ll access logged out viewing versions of the same platforms or move to new, harder-to-monitor apps. That makes it harder for parents to help, not easier. Ever heard of all these platforms: Discord, Reddit, Twitch, BeReal, Pinterest, Tumblr, Bluesky? There could be more to come once bans take effect - further eroding parental control.
And we haven’t even touched the privacy nightmare. One researcher warns that “figuring out a person’s age inevitably requires the disclosure of additional private information, some of it highly sensitive.” In short, enforcing age checks always invades privacy.
Add to that the growing risk of data breaches, hacking, and the potential for state surveillance, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Age-verification systems are a gateway to digital-ID infrastructure, giving government unprecedented control over the public. Ten years ago that sounded far-fetched. Not anymore - when thousands (12,000 in 2023 to be precise) are being arrested in the UK for what they post online, it’s no longer a trivial worry.
I could go on about VPNs, data breaches, costs to firms, the removal of parental authority and more, but you see the problem. We have better solutions, smarter, creative, and un-intrusive ones. They empower parents, communities, churches, and charities to step up and lead. If we put this same energy into digital-literacy programs like Digital Discipline, we’d tackle this issue far more effectively and without threatening rights.
The team and I at PILLAR are working with MPs, policymakers, advocates and experts to shift this debate in the right direction so that we can protect our rights and also address the real issue before us more effectively. All avenues are being engaged. If you have not signed our petition, would you look to do that quickly now? Maybe even forward this email to one friend – maybe even two if you can!
I know we’ve only been going for seven weeks, but watch this space because we’ll have more updates for you. Would you help support this campaign and help us push back? You can join our team of grassroots donors - we’d be grateful.
