Children and Youth Online Safety in Aotearoa New Zealand

This report explores the findings from the Child and Youth Online Safety Survey completed by just under 1000 children and youth aged 6-18 years living in New Zealand. The survey was specifically designed to provide children and young people with the opportunity to share their views and expertise on an issue that is primarily dominated by adult voices.

The findings reveal important insights into children’s digital engagement and experiences at various ages, and valuable advice from children to adults related to online safety and making the internet a more positive space for children and youth.

The findings can support adults to consider a safer environment versus an excluded environment where a solution often proposed is to exclude children as a means of protection.

As the debate around how best to protect our children in the online world gains pace, we encourage decision makers to consider a child rights approach to children’s and young people’s experience of the online world, encompassing provision, participation and protection.