6 MAY 2025 SPECIAL EDITION NEWSLETTER

Kia ora koutou

Today we release our latest consultation report, highlighting that young people are seeing extreme content in their online lives. Many young people feel they're dealing with these challenges without guidance and the support they need. 

In recent years, parents, teachers, youth workers – and young people themselves – have consistently raised concerns about the impact of harmful content. It affects safety, mental wellbeing, and contributes to real-world harm.  

We heard this through our research into young people growing up with pornography, our joint research with Netsafe into the online influences on youth body image, and our literature review into online misogyny and violent extremism. This latest consultation further informs our classification work and the education and support work that we undertake.

Participants talked about the importance of getting support when dealing with negative experiences online, but they worried about parents overreacting or imposing restrictions. Young people need open conversations and non-judgemental support. 

The consultation was with youth around Aotearoa between the ages of 12 - 25 about extreme content, and how they were seeing it. 

This consultation further informs the work of the Office which has a legislated mandate to regulate illegal or extremely harmful content as well as help New Zealand communities manage these issues by providing education and support.   

The report is available now for download, and a series of resources have been published to provide support and guidance for parents and caregivers. 

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

— Chief Censor Caroline Flora

#Mātakitahi #WatchTogether #KōreroTahi #TalkTogether 

Illustration credit: Mark Creative

While their experiences don't speak for all young people, they're consistent with what we've heard in our previous work and offer valuable insight into how young people experience harm online 

Key insights include:

• Young people are seeing extremely harmful content online

• Extremely harmful content can be difficult to avoid for some

• Curiosity is a key driver for engaging with content

• Real-world graphic violence was the most common type of extremely harmful content mentioned by young people

• Young people associate this content with a variety of harmful impacts

• Young people want guidance and support

Content that Cross the Line: Conversations with young people about extremely harmful content online is available now

What do we mean by 'extremely harmful content'?

In the report we use the term 'extremely harmful content' as a working definition for video, images, text and other material that people see online that could potentially be classified as objectionable. 

some of the content discussed by young people in the consultation clearly fits this definition; graphic depictions of real-world violence, such as executions, mass shooting, suicide, and extreme cruelty towards animals. 

What is 'objectionable' content?

In New Zealand, certain types of content - whether found online or offline - can be classified as 'objectionable', meaning it is illegal to view, share, create or possess. 

If content depicts or deals with things like sex, horror, crime, cruelty, or violence, in a way that would meet the statutory criteria for harm to the public then it can be classified as objectionable. Special consideration is given when determining a classification that includes torture, sexual violence, sexual activity involving children or young people, degrading or dehumanising conduct, the promotion of crime or acts of terrorism.

Types of content that are always classified objectionable include anything that promotes or supports the sexual exploitation of children or young people, sexual violence, torture, or extreme violence.  

The classification system balances the need to protect New Zealanders from harm while uploading the right to freedom of expression.

Resources for Parents  and Caregivers, and Educators
Tips and advice for working alongside young people and listening to them

How do we talk with our kids about seeing harmful content online?

Extremely harmful and illegal content online: What are young people seeing and what does it mean for parents?

What rangatahi tell us about seeing extreme content online

Algorithms 101

What if my child searches for illegal material?

Conversation starters about harmful content online

Need to talk? Helplines for support

We understand that these topics could be confronting or upsetting for some readers, especially if they can personally relate to the information we have shared. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• Visit Netsafe to complete an online form to report any online safety issues or free call 0508 638 723 for support.

• Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

• Free call Youthline 0800 376 633 or text 234 to talk with someone from a safe and youth-centred organisation.

• Free call OutLine Aotearoa 0800 688 5463 any evening to talk to trained volunteers from Aotearoa's rainbow communities.

The Classification Office - Te Mana Whakaatu is an independent Crown entity responsible for classifying material which may need to be restricted or banned. This can include films, books, video games and online content. The Office can restrict or ban content that promotes crime, terrorism or violence. The Office also conducts research and produces evidence-based resources to promote media literacy and enable New Zealanders to make informed choices about what they watch.