Online safety requires practical support for parents and children
Triple P is encouraged by the first steps taken today with the introduction of a bill to restrict young people’s access to social media and recognises the efforts of governments worldwide to protect children from harmful interactions.
While the New Zealand Government’s Online Safety Bill aims to introduce minimum age requirements, strengthen public education and establish a regulator to monitor compliance and provide guidance, Triple P’s ongoing work with parents and whānau has shown that any efforts to help children positively navigate the digital world must actively involve providing evidence-based education for parents and carers − they are the first and most influential line of support in children's lives.
Parents are already navigating difficult conversations about social media, screen use, online pressure, harmful content, sleep and mental wellbeing. They need more than information about the new rules. Many are actively seeking practical, proven-to-work support that builds confidence and helps them apply that information in everyday family life.
The proposed regulator will have an important role in providing guidance, equipping parents with the tools to help children stay safely connected, working with impacted communities and delivering information through trusted networks such as schools and community-led organisations.
That work should be supported by universal access to evidence-based parenting programmes. Public education can raise awareness, but skills-based parenting support helps families turn information into practical action.
“Parents should not be expected to navigate this rapidly changing environment alone,” says Jackie Riach, Psychologist and Country Manager at Triple P New Zealand.
“Information alone isn’t enough to change social media habits. Families need proven, practical tools and support to help children develop healthy relationships with technology and respond safely to online pressure,” Ms Riach said.
“The Government’s proposed education and awareness work is an important opportunity to put parents and caregivers at the centre of the response. This should include support that is accessible, backed by research, and available through the settings families already know and trust,” she said.
“Recent Government investment provides a strong foundation for extending this support to families. As part of a $20 million Budget-25 investment in evidence-based parenting initiatives, Triple P - Positive Parenting Programme has been funded to continue and expand its services for parents. This investment recognises the importance of combining trusted information with practical, proven support.”
“Triple P welcomes the opportunity to continue to work constructively with the Government, the regulator, schools and our network of trusted community organisations to help ensure parents and children have the confidence and practical support they need to navigate the online world safely.” Ms Riach said.
