No images? Click here
SPRING NEWSLETTER | SEP 29 2020
Kia ora koutou,
With the change of seasons and our lengthening days here in Aotearoa New Zealand we're feeling a sense of hope despite this difficult, disruptive - and for so many across the globe, devastating - year. However we're keenly aware of how our tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) are navigating these unstable and uncertain times.
At the Classification Office, Aotearoa's tamariki and rangatahi are the most important reason behind why we do what we do. As media regulators we're dedicated to protecting those who are most vulnerable to media harms - which tends to be children and young people, and those with lived experience of trauma.
We take their wants, needs, thoughts, and opinions seriously, and it's a privilege for us to listen and learn when it comes to collaborating with our Youth Advisory Panel. For our latest youth & porn campaign (see below) they were instrumental in influencing our content creation, with incredible results!
We're also pleased to report the excellent new Ministry of Education updated sex education guidelines have picked up on views of NZ youth who shared their experiences of online porn for our research. The guidelines, of which Dr Katie Fitzpatrick was the lead author, include information on consent, gender inclusivity and porn literacy. Education is empowerment, so clear, consistent, and relevant information is key for their healthy development.
It takes time to alter the direction of a big kaipuke (ship). But we know that if we continue listening to our youth, and talking together, we're heading in the right direction.
Kia kaha (stay strong) from all of us and remember to #WatchTogether #TalkTogether
If you've been online at all in the last month, then you'll be aware of the controversy around the Netflix release of Sundance Film Festival winner CUTIES. Due to the high number of complaints we received (though most had not watched the film) AND the fact QAnon have utilised it for their #SaveTheChildren conspiracy theory - our team took a look. Read the full breakdown here.
Our team are committed to the survival and revitalisation of te Reo Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. In partnership with Te Taura Whiri we're implementing a Māori language strategy throughout our organisation - so if you notice us using te Reo in our emails, social channels, job titles & documents, this is why. This month we celebrated Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) with thousands of other New Zealanders. Kia kaha te Reo Māori!
Due to the nature of our work, we're keenly aware of how social media impacts our mental health. So for Mental Health Awareness Week we've been encouraging our audience to breathe, take a break from doomscrolling, practice mindfulness when we're on our socials (how does this content make you feel?) and curate feeds that nourish, invigorate and inspire us, rather than depress us. What are your own top tips for managing mental health?
How do we make sure gaming is healthy for our children? Do loot boxes constitute gambling? What should parents know about the games their children are playing? September marked Aotearoa's national Gambling Harm Awareness Week, and our friends at the Problem Gambling Foundation put together an excellent panel discussion exploring the use of gambling psychology within gaming. Check it out here.
In close collaboration with our Youth Advisory Panel, this month we trialed a youth-led campaign on Instagram, aimed at engaging and interacting with young people around online porn. Have a scroll through our IG for some creative content and great conversations.
Our friends at The Light Project have just launched In The Know a site designed to help youth understand and navigate porn-related issues and online sexual experiences. The site has been shaped and informed by young people themselves, offering practical and accessible tips, tools and pathways to help equip youth for today’s online sexual world.
Can you tell fact from fake? Netsafe recently undertook a survey to better understand Kiwi's awareness around false and misleading information. 52% revealed they'd fallen for fake news! So they created an educational resource to help people tackle misinformation. Visit yournewsbulletin.co.nz to test your knowledge, learn techniques and use the resources to have conversations with family and friends.
Because our work involves a broad knowledge of the vast online landscape, we read a lot in the office! Here are just a few of the things we've enjoyed over the past month.
Counter-extremism chief warns UK policy is not working [The National]
A Whistleblower says Facebook Ignored Global Political Manipulation [BuzzfeedNews]
A Message to TikTok Parents Who Use My Face To Make Their Kids Cry [Refinery29]
Porn Sites Still Won't Take Down Non-Consensual Deepfakes [Wired]
Where Kids Find Hate Online [Common Sense Media]
|
|
Know someone who would enjoy this newsletter? Feel free to forward this email where they can hit the link to subscribe. For past newsletters, click here. |
