New Zealand plans to introduce a bill that would ban children under 16 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook.

The proposed law would require platforms to verify users’ ages, with companies that fail to comply facing fines of up to 10% of their global revenue.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said social media exposes children to harmful content, addictive technology and pressures that can affect their mental health, sleep, education and family life.

The bill would also require platforms popular with children to regularly assess and report on risks, while children and their parents would not face penalties for violations, the BBC has reported.

However, the legislation faces uncertainty because coalition partners Act and New Zealand First have said they will oppose it, while Australia has already introduced a similar restriction.