We’re proud to share the release of our latest report, Online Safety in Aotearoa New Zealand, developed in partnership between Save the Children New Zealand and Netsafe.
This report presents findings from a nationwide online survey designed to explore how children and young people engage with the digital world, and to better understand their perspectives and experiences of online safety.
Why this matters
While there is a growing body of research on children’s online safety, much of it is shaped by adult voices. This survey was created to change that, placing children’s own views, experiences, and advice at the centre of the conversation.
What we found
The report reveals valuable insights into how children of different ages experience the online environment. It highlights their concerns, challenges, and - importantly- their recommendations for how adults can better support and protect them online.
Children are not simply passive users of technology. They are digital citizens with expertise and opinions that matter. Their insights can help shift the current adult-dominated decision-making model to one that truly reflects a child rights-based approach.
A call to action
We urge policymakers, educators, parents and carers to consider a more inclusive approach - one that supports children's right to protection, right to participation, and right to provision in the digital space.
Rather than restricting access as a form of protection, let’s work together to create a safer, more empowering online environment where children can thrive.
Download the full report - Online Safety in Aotearoa New Zealand
Our Submission to Government
As part of our continued advocacy for safer digital spaces for children, Save the Children has submitted a formal contribution to the Inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders encounter online, and the roles that Government, business, and society should play in addressing those harms.
Our submission highlights the need for a child rights-based approach, centred on protection, participation, and provision, and includes 10 clear recommendations for policymakers. These include calls to hold tech platforms accountable, prohibit harmful algorithms and addictive design, invest in digital citizenship education, and meaningfully involve young people in shaping online safety policies. We have also requested the opportunity to present our submission alongside members of our Generation Hope youth team.