# Act Party Proposes Smartphone Ban for Teens | Auckland News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/auckland-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7853371/act-party-proposes-smartphone-ban-for-teens-auckland-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/auckland-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7853371/act-party-proposes-smartphone-ban-for-teens-auckland-news.md
Podcast: [Auckland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/auckland-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7853371)
Published: 2026-07-15T07:11:55+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/e884b6cbe6b04654
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/50ef16b6-e958-415f-a8be-14d5c7ed6640.mp3
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Duration seconds: 105

## Resource

David Seymour, leader of the Act Party, is pushing for a radical new policy: a complete ban on smartphones for anyone under sixteen. He argues that these devices are directly fueling rising mental health crises among teens, including anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Rather than trying to regulate ever-changing social media apps, Seymour wants to tackle the problem at its source—by outlawing smartphones and replacing them with simple “dumb phones” that lack addictive features. He draws parallels to existing laws on tobacco and alcohol, seeing smartphones as a tangible product that deserves similar restrictions for kids’ well-being. While he usually favors minimal government intervention, Seymour believes this is an exception where action is needed. He also dismisses a potential social media ban as unenforceable and outdated, making his smartphone ban a more practical, targeted solution. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/e884b6cbe6b04654

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