APRIL NEWSLETTER 

Kia ora koutou

As term two rolls in we're alerting caregivers and educators to a game that's trending overseas with young people. We've taken a look at the game Five Nights at Epstein's so you don't have to but we do recommend reading our blog. 

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: Ryan Gosling in Project Hail Mary 

What is the game Five Nights at Epstein's / Five Nights at P Diddy's? What parents, whānau and teachers should know

Five Nights at Epstein’s is a game that is currently trending through schools which has parent’s, teachers and whānau concerned about what it might include. We’ve taken a look so you don’t have to.

If your child has come across it, a quick, calm conversation, checking what they’ve seen and what they think it means, will go much further than alarm.

Read our blog to get the full download on what the game play involves and how to talk with your young person.

Can I watch Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere with my child?

A parent's guide to conversations about online misogyny

Louis Theroux dives into the world of online misogyny in his latest documentary for Netflix, Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere. You may be tempted to watch it as a family, especially if you have young people in your whānau.

Misogyny and the manosphere are topics that are complex and can be hard to tackle. Misogyny refers to hatred, contempt, dislike or distrust for women and girls based on their gender, and a belief that women and girls are inherently inferior to men and boys.

In this article we provide resources based on our work, engagement and conversations with young people.

Why did The Drama get this classification?

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

In the final stages of planning their wedding, a couple’s seemingly perfect lives are thrown into turmoil when one partner reveals a shocking secret.

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

Why did Project Hail Mary get this rating?

M: Suitable for mature audiences

Science teacher Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship light-years from Earth. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing the sun, and save Earth. An unexpected friendship may be the key.

Project Hail Mary was cross-rated by Film and Video Labelling Body and received an M, suitable for mature audiences. Read our breakdown of this rating.

Why did Pursuit of Jade get this rating?

M: Violence and suicide

A young woman marries a disgraced nobleman to survive. They grow to love each other – but their love is challenged at every turn by political schemes and insidious secrets. They must fight, even go to war, to stay together.

Pursuit of Jade was self-rated by Netflix and received an M with content warnings for violence and suicide. Read our breakdown of this rating for season one. 

Why did The Madison get this rating?

13: Offensive language, sex scenes, suicide themes and violence

A wealthy New York City family is forever changed by the sudden death of a loved one. As they struggle to process their grief, they find themselves drawn to Montana’s Madison River Valley, where the landscape and their shared memories offer a path toward connection, healing, and coming to terms with their loss.

The Madison was self-rated by Neon and received a 13 with content warnings for offensive language, sex scenes, suicide themes and violence. 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:

BSA to consider first complaint about an online broadcaster (BSA)