New Zealand Teens’ Digital Profile: A Factsheet

Digital Self-Harm: Prevalence, Motivations and Outcomes for Teens Who Cyberbully Themselves

“…Young people's internet safety is a critical issue not only for parents but also broader society. However, while digital tools provide young people with a range of opportunities for learning, socialising and being informed among others (Pacheco & Melhuish, 2018a), there are risks and potential harm due to their use and misuse. As previous Netsafe research shows, the negative impact of harmful digital communications is higher among young people compared to adults (Pacheco & Melhuish, 2018c).…”

Exploring New Zealand Children’s Technology Access, Use, Skills And Opportunities. Evidence From Ngā Taiohi Matihiko O Aotearoa - New Zealand Kids Online

“…This nationally representative study also revealed New Zealand teens' active engagement with social media tools, with 4 in 10 teens reporting using five or more platforms, with YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat and Messenger being the most popular. Interestingly, the study not only found gender differences regarding teens' preferences for specific online platforms but also how boys and girls use digital devices and the activities they undertake online (Pacheco & Melhuish, 2018). Similarly, the study found that while overall teens regarded themselves as confident technology users, Māori and Asian teens were less confident about their digital competencies compared to other ethnic groups (Pacheco & Melhuish, 2018).…”

“…Interestingly, the study not only found gender differences regarding teens' preferences for specific online platforms but also how boys and girls use digital devices and the activities they undertake online (Pacheco & Melhuish, 2018). Similarly, the study found that while overall teens regarded themselves as confident technology users, Māori and Asian teens were less confident about their digital competencies compared to other ethnic groups (Pacheco & Melhuish, 2018). Despite these valuable insights, the study did not investigate the online experiences of younger children (13 years old and under).…”

“…The few available studies have centred on technology access and use but measures of aspects such as skills and opportunities have been left unexplored. Also, to date, available evidence has concentrated on the online experiences of teenagers (see Broadcasting Standards Authority & NZ On Air, 2015; Pacheco & Melhuish, 2018) leaving gaps in our knowledge about younger children's interaction with their online environment.…”

“…Meanwhile, in 2017, a Netsafe study of teens aged 14-17 years old found that they primarily use the internet for entertainment (e.g. playing games or streaming videos), socialising, and learning activities related to school and other training (Pacheco & Melhuish, 2018). This nationally representative study also revealed New Zealand teens' active engagement with social media tools, with 4 in 10 teens reporting using five or more platforms, with YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat and Messenger being the most popular.…”