MAY NEWSLETTER 

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Last week we released our consultation report based on conversations with young people about extremely harmful content online. Talking with young people always informs our work, and we come away from these conversations having heard a similar message each time: young people want to have conversations and they want our support.

This month we've featured decisions for new release titles such as Sinners, Thunderbolts* and The Four Seasons. We've also written about the most impactful content in the latest season of Disney+'s Andor and how we keep ourselves safe here at the Office when it’s the job to watch tough stuff.

Our newsletters generally talk about topics like sex, drugs, and the media content landscape. Our aim is to have difficult conversations and shine a light on ways to reduce harm for New Zealanders. If you know someone who should receive these updates, please share our newsletter or encourage them to subscribe. Be sure to follow our socials and LinkedIn too.

Aroha atu, aroha mai, tātou i a tātou
Let’s look out for each other

— Chief Censor Caroline Flora

#Mātakitahi #WatchTogether #Kōrerotahi #TalkTogether 

Image: still from Sinners. Read our featured decision for this title.

Content that Crosses the Line: Conversations with young people about extremely harmful content online

Last week we released a new consultation report which shows that seeing extreme —and sometimes illegal or banned — content is part of the online experience for young people. 

They told us that extreme content, including content that has been classified as objectionable (banned) in New Zealand, can be difficult to avoid, and curiosity is a key driver for engaging with it. Real-world graphic violence was the most common type of content that they mentioned.

The report highlights that many young people feel they’re dealing with these challenges without the guidance and support they need. Participants talked about the importance of getting support when dealing with negative experiences online, but they worried about adults’ reactions. The young people we spoke to asked for open conversations and non-judgemental support.

The full report is available now and newly released resources are available on our resource hub including conversation starters and how to support your young person.  

Supporting young people in a changing online world

We’re told that children are digital natives – and so they’re given technology and expected to be savvy. But it’s becoming increasingly clear that social media is not always a safe space for them.

In this guest blog from clinical psychologist Dougal Sutherland he breaks down how to talk with, and support, young people in a changing online world.

Can my child watch Andor, Season 2?

We’ve put together this watch guide to help viewers understand content they may find impactful in Andor Season 2, particularly in the first three episodes now streaming on Disney+. It unpacks key scenes to help you make an informed choice about whether this series is the right watch for you or for your whānau.

Disney+ has self-rated Andor Season 2, Episodes 1–3 as M, meaning it’s considered suitable for viewers aged 16 and older, with warnings for violence and sexual violence.

That’s an important heads-up, especially for Star Wars fans who might expect a certain kind of tone based on the franchise’s past.

Watch with caution: wellbeing at home and at work

When you watch challenging content for entertainment or for work how do you keep yourself safe from harm?

At the Classification Office our Advisors are watching tough stuff in their daily mahi. Their work requires them to watch distressing and difficult content and then consider the classification decision. Not only are they having to watch something, but they also then must write about it and consider it in detail.

On the blog we break down how our expert advisors keep themselves safe with advice for your own viewing habits.

Why did Thunderbolts* get this classification?

M: Violence

After finding themselves caught in a death trap, an unlikely team of antiheroes are led on a dangerous mission, forcing them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.

Thunderbolts* was classified by the Office and received an M with a content warning for violence. Read our breakdown of this classification. 

Why did Sinners get this classification?

R16: Violence, offensive language, and content that may disturb

After finding themselves caught in a death trap, an unlikely team of antiheroes are led on a dangerous mission, forcing them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.

Sinners was classified by the Office and received an R16 with content warnings for violence, offensive language, and content that may disturb. Read our breakdown of this classification. 

Why did The Four Seasons get this rating?

16: Sex scenes

Three couples, who have done annual group trips for the past 20 years, have their tradition upended when one couple breaks up. 

The Four Seasons was self-rated by Netflix and received a 16 with a content warning for sex scenes. Read our breakdown of this rating.

Because our work requires a broad knowledge of the vast online landscape, we consume a lot of media in the office. Here are just a few of the things we’ve found relevant and informative over the past month. Take a break with these media lunch items:

Video games, movies to decide own age ratings in censorship shakeup (Newsroom)

We know what our kids are watching, what about what they're reading? (RNZ)