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Protecting tamariki online: PSNZ submission to the inquiry

Added 30th July 2025

30 July 2025

The Paediatric Society of New Zealand | Te Kāhui Mātai Arotamariki o Aotearoa (PSNZ) has made a submission to the Parliamentary inquiry into the harm tamariki and rangatahi experience online.

Our submission highlights the serious impacts of harmful content, online bullying, exploitative platform design, and addictive use of digital platforms on young people’s mental health, development, and wellbeing.

We’ve called for a balanced, systemic approach that:

  • Regulates exploitative design features and harmful content

  • Holds social media and technology companies accountable

  • Invests in evidence-based digital literacy and wellbeing education

  • Supports whānau with practical tools rather than placing blame

  • Funds ongoing research and involves young people in shaping solutions

This is an important opportunity to ensure tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa can thrive in a safer and more supportive digital world.

👇 Read the full submission below👇

Ngā mihi to all members who contributed their expertise and insights.

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