Keeping Tamariki and Rangatahi Safe Online
We all agree on one thing: children deserve to be safe wherever they are, whether that’s at school, at home, or online. Safety is a right, not a privilege.
While proposals like banning children from social media are being discussed, we know that simply excluding young people from these platforms isn’t the only way to keep them safe. Children still need access to connection, learning, and self-expression in the digital world.
Instead, Aotearoa has an opportunity to take a broader, rights-based approach. This means creating legislation and systems that:
- Put children’s wellbeing and rights at the centre.
- Hold platforms accountable for harmful content and practices.
- Ensure young people are protected from risks like bullying, exploitation, and harmful algorithms.
- Support whānau and communities to guide safe online use.
Working alongside the Children’s Convention Monitoring Group, we’ve developed this explainer to help unpack what a potential social media ban could mean and to explore the wider range of solutions available to keep our young people safe.
Because when it comes to online safety, we can do more than just shut the door. We can build a digital world where tamariki and rangatahi are supported, protected, and empowered to thrive.