India, Aug. 24 -- New Zealand is set to join the growing list of countries seeking to restrict social media access for children under 16, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announcing plans to introduce legislation aimed at protecting young users online.

In a statement on Monday, Luxon said his government will introduce the Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill, which will prevent children under 16 from using social media platforms and place greater responsibility on technology companies to protect children online.

"We simply cannot accept the harm being done to a generation of New Zealand children," Luxon said.

"Social media is exposing children to harmful content, addictive technology and pressures they...