SBW ’26 Growing up online: keeping young people safe in digital spaces

Event Description

Young people are growing up in a world where social media, online communities and digital platforms shape how they connect, learn and seek support. While these spaces can offer connection and access to helpful tools, they can also expose rangatahi to challenges such as cyberbullying, harmful content, gambling, diet culture, exercise addiction and difficult-to-manage algorithms. 

This forum will include presentations from: 

• Brent Carey – CEO, Netsafe 

• Karla Sanders – Project Manager, Netsafe 

• Anna Ashton – Lived Experience Advisor, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha District 

• Jacqui Hampton – Clinical Engagement Lead, Just a Thought 

And will be facilitated by one of our fantastic child and youth stream lead; Eden Grimwood, Youth Mentor and Consumer Advisor at Whāraurau. 

This online hui will create a supportive space for kaimahi to build confidence when working with young people navigating digital spaces. Through a facilitated wānanga-style discussion, we’ll explore how rangatahi engage online, where risks and opportunities emerge, and how services can respond in ways that feel safe, relevant and effective. The session will include youth perspectives and honest reflections on what feels helpful, and unhelpful, from services.