Our monthly update shines a spotlight on the great work done to inform and empower New Zealanders
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JAN/FEB NEWSLETTER
Kia ora koutou
Welcome to mid-February already.
We've heard from a diverse range of young people across Aotearoa about their experiences encountering extremely harmful content in their social media feeds. Our upcoming report is part of a broader programme of work, designed to support both the sector and the public with practical resources, training, and guidance on what to do if you come across extremely harmful or objectionable (banned) content in everyday spaces. It's already taking shape with key resources, like our blog on how algorithms influence what we see online. Stay tuned for this imminent report release.
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 Babygirl. Read our featured decision for this title.
Some ways to stay safe out there in the online space, in conjunction with Netsafe's Safer Internet Day celebrations.
Tuesday 11 February was Safer Internet Day and we applaud Netsafe's celebration of ways to make the internet safer every day. Here at the Office we've highlighted a number of ways that help families to stay safe.
Parental controls on streaming platforms, gaming platforms and consoles is the life hack parents need for keeping young ones safe when they're watching or playing.
Knowing who to contact if you or someone you know comes across harmful stuff online is another important tool to have in your online safety kit.
And understanding how the online platforms work is something we all need to navigate life online safely. The algorithms running social media are complex, ever-evolving, and largely beyond the control of individual users. For parents, understanding how they work is the first step in supporting young people navigating these spaces. While you can’t always stop harmful content from appearing, you can create an environment where your child feels safe discussing it. Over on the blog Caitlin outlines how social media algorithms shape what we see (and why it matters for parents and caregivers).
Our Gaming Resources
We're building up our resources for parents and gamers (and parents who are gamers). Our website has guides with general gaming classification advice, as well as detailed game breakdowns that help you decide if the content is suitable before you press play.
Considering Roblox for your very young ones? Read our blog and you might reconsider how young they can start. Wondering what the deal is with Fortnite? Our Classification Advisors give you the rundown on the type of game experience.
Here's a snapshot of more gaming resources to be found on our site:
Very Parental Guidance Shows
How to navigate watching a series like Beast Games with your children when the rating says PG and the content contains very adult behaviours.
Rebecca writes about her personal experience of watching the newest, largest and most expensive reality show ever with her five and ten year olds. Extra parental guidance recommended.
Content Guide: Oscars 2025 Nominees
The Academy Award nominations are here! Want to see what the hype’s about before the awards ceremony but not sure which films are right for you and your whānau? We’ve got you covered with spoiler-free content breakdowns for most of the nominees.
How to talk about harmful content and social media with your under-13s
How many of us find ourselves lying awake at night, wondering how to guide our children safely through the vast and unpredictable online world?
"Don't you trust me, Mum?" — that question hit hard, replaying in my mind long after my son asked if he could get Snapchat, just like his friends. With other kids following different rules, it's tough setting boundaries.
Nusaybah shares some tips and tools for having those tough conversations, based on her work for the Office and her experiences at home. Read more on the blog.
Why did Companion get this classification?
R16: Violence, domestic violence, cruelty and sexual references
Companion is a thriller that follows a young couple, Josh and Iris, as they join a group of Josh’s friends for a weekend getaway at a lake house. The trip takes a sinister turn when boundaries are violated, triggering a series of unexpected and escalating events.
Companion was classified by the Office and received an R16 with content warnings for violence, domestic violence, cruelty and sexual references. Read our breakdown of this classification.
Why did The Brutalist get this classification?
R16: Rape, sex scenes & drug use
After visionary architect László Tóth is separated from his family after WW2, he hopes to meet them in the Unites States, where he struggles to fulfill the American dream until his life is changed by a rich and mysterious client.
The Brutalist was classified by the Office with support from members of our Youth Advisory Panel and received an R16 with content warnings for rape, sex scenes & drug use. Read our breakdown of this classification.
Why did Anora get this classification?
R16: Sex scenes, nudity, drug use & offensive language
Ani, a Brooklyn sex worker, marries the son of a Russian oligarch, living her Cinderella dream—until his parents arrive in New York, determined to annul the marriage..
Anora was classified by the Office and received an R16 with content warnings for sex scenes, nudity, drug use and offensive language. Read our breakdown of this classification.
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:
What Roblox's safety updates mean for its users (1 News)
Wait! The Sims is a lot bleaker than I remember (The Guardian)
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