Submission on the Petition of Charlene Whyte (Social Media)

In our submission we recognise existing work that supports mokopuna to be safe in the digital environment, such as research conducted by the Classification Office and educational resources and programmes provided by Netsafe. We also refer to international evidence and research within Aotearoa New Zealand which shows interconnection between the negative impacts of social media and mental health concerns, with links to body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, low self-esteem, being overwhelmed by awareness of world events, uncertain futures including eco-anxiety, depression, anxiety, exposure to misinformation, cyberbullying, decreased sleep, and reduced in-person time with family and friends. We note that for some groups, including mokopuna Māori, Pacific mokopuna and rainbow mokopuna, the harms of the digital world are experienced more.

We also recognise the positive impacts of social media for mokopuna, including in relationships and belonging, communities of support, and access to information. For some groups, such as mokopuna whaikaha and Rainbow mokopuna, these aspects of social media can be particularly important.

The idea put forward by the Petitioner of a Social Media License for mokopuna is creative and innovative, and we also support increasing education and awareness of how to safely navigate the digital environment. However, we recommend that further work is done and that mokopuna are meaningfully consulted before any steps are taken to develop and implement a Social Media License. Mokopuna should be involved in the scoping, design and development of education and awareness raising initiatives and regulations relating to the digital environment, to ensure that any such initiatives are mokopuna-friendly and will be effective in better equipping them for the digital world, including aspects such as social media, disinformation, misinformation and Artificial Intelligence.