JUNE NEWSLETTER 

Kia ora koutou

Our June news despatch comes to you as the depths of winter are hitting hard. Often we can find ourselves hunkering down in these months, watching movies and shows for comfort. And sometimes that comfort watch can turn into a disturbing watch; if you're a fan of The Last of Us you'll still be recovering! 

Our latest blogs cover a range of topics, from the difference between The Last of Us the game versus the series, what is Twitch and should my child be streaming it?, to Studio Ghibli through the ages (and ratings). 

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 The Last of Us.

Te Mana Whakaatu represents at LoopEd Conference

In May Kate presented to the Wellington LoopEd teacher’s conference about our research and consultations, and about bringing rangatahi into the conversation. The LoopEd conference is attended by teachers, school counselors, Senior Leadership and pastrol care staff. Kate took away their ideas about how we could best support teaching professionals to have the tough conversations with young people.

From controller to couch - Why watching The Last of Us isn't quite the same as playing it

The Last of Us series is gripping, but the game takes it to another level. In this blog, we discuss how playing the game means living every choice and moment – and why it’s rated R18. If a young gamer’s curious, it’s a good time to talk about what feels right for them.

The choices you make, the unexpected twists, the quiet heartbreaks that stay with you long after you've put down the controller. 

Through the Ages (and Ratings): Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli films are iconic in the world of animation, offering rich storytelling and beautiful artistry that resonates with both children and adults.

And like we've mentioned in our blog Studio Ghibli, Movies and Mental Health, Ghibli films also have a unique ability to comfort and inspire, making them an excellent choice for those looking to support emotional well-being through film. Whether you're introducing Studio Ghibli classics to your tamariki for the first time or figuring out which one to choose for your next whānau movie night, our guide will help you navigate the range of Ghibli films, from gentle adventures to more intense experiences.

While all Ghibli films are unrestricted in New Zealand, with ratings from G to M, the level of intensity can vary. 

What is Twitch and how can I talk with my tamariki and rangatahi about the platform?

Are you wondering whether Twitch.tv is a safe platform for your child? In Aotearoa New Zealand, it maintains the minimum age requirement of 13 years old, along with most other countries, but does not have a specific local classification.

The Twitch platform hosts a range of gaming and social communities. While we don’t classify social media platforms, content like livestreams, highlights, and screenshots can be considered publications by the Classification Office if they are produced on these platforms.

On the blog we break down what Twitch is, and what to be aware of with this content streaming platform.

Why did Dept. Q get this rating?

16: Graphic violence and offensive language

Carl, a former renowned detective, is overcome with guilt after an attack left his partner paralysed and another policeman dead. Upon returning to work, Carl is assigned a cold case that will consume his life. 

Dept. Q was self-rated by Netflix and received a 16 with a content warning for graphic violence and offensive language. Read our breakdown of this rating.

Why did Lilo & Stitch get this rating?

PG: Violence

In this live-action remake of Disney’s animated classic ‘Lilo and Stitch,’ a lonely Hawaiian girl meets a fugitive alien who helps mend her broken family.

Lilo & Stitch, the live-action remake, was cross-rated by Film and Video Labelling Body and received a PG with a content warning for violence. Read our breakdown of this rating.

Why did Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning get this rating?

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.

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning was cross-rated by Film and Video Labelling Body and received an M with a content warning for violence. Read our breakdown of this rating. 

Why did Sirens get this rating?

16: Offensive language, sex scenes

Worried about her sister's relationship with her wealthy boss, Devon journeys to an exclusive island retreat to confront her. There, she grapples with the realisation that her sister may be too deeply immersed in a world of luxury and influence to return to their former life. 

Sirens was self-rated by Netflix and received a 16 with a content warning for offensive language, 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:

Digital whodunnit for the TikTok generation (RNZ)

Smoke in Little Tokyo (Webworm with David Farrier)

Why are young people seeing harmful content online? (RE:news)