Expert Panel: Growing healthy, resilient children in the digital age

As New Zealand follows other countries like Australia and considers the possible introduction of social media restrictions for under 16-year-olds, credible, evidence-based parenting support must be part of a wider response to tackling online digital harm.

Triple P - Positive Parenting Programme New Zealand country lead and psychologist, Jackie Riach said: “As parents, policymakers, educators, and community leaders, we all share a responsibility to ensure that young people not only have the tools, but also the supportive relationships and guidance they need to use technology safely and positively.”

Young New Zealanders have some of the highest rates of screen use in the world with children’s mental health and digital harm being the biggest concern Triple P fields from NZ parents, whānau and caregivers.

The expert panel, from left: Tamati Shepherd-Wipiiti, Dr Claire Achmad, Dr Hiran Thabrew, Dr Jenna McWilliam

Triple P welcomed the opportunity to host a bi-partisan event at NZ parliament with an expert panel discussion on growing healthy, resilient children in the digital age.

Co-sponsored by National MP Catherine Wedd and Labour MP Jan Tinetti guest panellists included the Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad, Ngāti Hine Health Trust CEO Tamati Shepherd-Wipiiti, Associate Professor Child Adolescent Mental Health Paediatrician and Psychiatrist at Auckland University Dr Hiran Thabrew, and Dr Jenna McWilliam, Executive Director, Triple P International and Honorary Research Fellow, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland.

Triple P founder and Emeritus Professor Matt Sanders advocates for parenting support with MP Catherine Wedd and guests.

Triple P Australia recently launched a new online programme called “Triple P Online: Children and Screens” as part of a wider suite of programmes available to all families in Australia.

The launch of “Children and Screens,” was timed to coincide with the Australian social media ban for under 16-year-olds, recognising policy measures alone are not enough; parents need practical, evidence-based tools to support their children’s healthy digital habits.

Millions of families worldwide have benefited from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, with the first trials conducted in Mangere, South Auckland by Triple P founder Emeritus Professor Matt Sanders in partnership with Barnardos Aotearoa.