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SUMMER NEWSLETTER | Jan 2021
Kia ora koutou,
It's 2021 and it's time to celebrate sun, happiness and seeing the back of 2020. In this edition you will find good advice around watching sensitive material, links to our holiday content, an update of our Youth Advisory Panel and what we are looking forward to in 2021.
If you see anything in our newsletter you'd like to use in your own work, just ask! We love to collaborate with interested partners. It is a great time to contact us with some fresh ideas. And feel free to forward this newsletter on to anyone who you think would enjoy it.
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We'll see you again next month but until then remember to #WatchTogether #TalkTogether
It was hard to miss coverage of the recent unrest in the US, including the unprecedented riots at the US Capitol building. From 6pm news watchers, online readers, through to TikTok and social media users, we were all aware of what was going on in the US. With everyone carrying smartphones these events produced a huge amount of footage, some of it violent and disturbing.
When things like this happen it feels like we have to stay up-to-date with the developments and watch everything that pops up on our newsfeed. Remember, mental health comes first. Take a break! It is okay to not be okay with watching violent or distressing content. Turn your phone, TV or whatever device you use off and talk to someone about what you have seen - especially if you are struggling. Check out the below tips.
- Use airplane mode
- Turn off your phone
- Change your settings to receive less notifications
- Schedule social media breaks
- Talk to people about what you watch
- Don't look at your phone before bed
Check in with yourself and if you're feeling uneasy, go for a walk, drink some water, sit in the sun. And remember to ask for help if you need to. We do! You can free call or text 1737 for more support.
Your friends and whānau might need support too, and talking with each other about what you’re watching can really help. Our rangatahi and tamariki had access to the same disturbing footage, and when this sort of event happens it’s a good idea to check in with them and let them know you’re available to talk. You can find advice about this on our website.
After Ara Taiohi and The Prince's Trust trialed their new MOSAIC cards with the Youth Advisory Panel, the panel ran a training session with the office. They are a set of cards that kickstart powerful and hopeful conversations with young people around areas of prejudice and racism. Together the panel and the office really valued having open conversations about sensitive topics in a safe and supported way.
Over the holiday period we posted a series of advice and tips for whānau around sensitive, scary and harmful content. During the holidays it's the perfect time to have open and safe conversations about media harms with your whānau - but we know this isn't always easy. Check out the tips and advice on our Instagram and Facebook and let us know what you think!
It's January which means we are planning 2021. We are starting the year off with a revamp of our Youth Advisory Panel. This will include;
- An evaluation of our Youth Advisory Panel, from the members perspective,
- A Youth Advisory Panel Report and,
- Updating our Code of Ethics
We are excited about the changes coming to give New Zealanders better information on what to expect when they watch films and shows on commercial video on-demand and streaming platforms. We are also looking forward to a series of conferences the office will be attending or presenting at.
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.
He'll Be Right: How worried should we be about porn? [Stuff]
The Technology 202: Where does QAnon go from here? [Washington Post]
Joe Biden Inauguration: New Zealand DIA deploys online counter-terror team [NZ Herald]
It’s time to rethink the internet [Spinoff]
Do No Harm [Baffler] - Content Warning: Article deals with suicide and mental health
One Size Does Not Fit All - Youth Participation in Non-Governmental Organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand [Jennifer Michelle Braithwaite]
Gaming the Dynamics of Online Harassment [Kevin Veale]
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