Relief that online harm concerns are being addressed

A final report has been delivered by a Select Committee looking into online harm. 

It acknowledged the serious problems facing young people, including  impacts on mental health, wellbeing and development, algorithms pushing extreme content, online advertising of alcohol, tobacco and gambling, and deepfake technology. 

It also said current laws were ‘not fit for purpose’. 

Recommendations included addressing legislative gaps, establishing an independent national regulator, age restrictions for social media, promoting local research, and banning ‘nudify’ apps that can create harmful sexual imagery. 

Smartphone Free Childhood NZ co-founder Katrina Colombie was glad to see the progress. 

“I'm really stoked, and I think parents across the country are going to be breathing a sigh of relief that this has come out."

"Online harm is serious and widespread. The design of online platforms can cause or exacerbate harms, and parents want help, but lack clear support."

However, Colombie did feel there were some missing pieces. 

She felt that schools have an important role to play, and should help in “creating and maintaining digital habits with our children.”

Another was around the timing of making changes. The report suggested being a ‘fast-follower’ - not lagging behind, but also not trying to be unique. 

Colombie felt action should be taken soon, and believed time was of the essence. 

“We're talking about children's lives here, and we cannot keep waiting with the industrial-scale harm which is being done online."

However, the report did attract mixed reactions, including from ACT Leader David Seymour who had some concerns. 

He feared age restrictions on social media would have ‘unintended consequences’.

“You actually drive kids off things that we accept are harmful, but take them to more harmful places.”

“Another problem is if kids think it’s naughty to do these things, they won’t talk to adults about it.”

Another issue was raised about the committee not seeking advice from Internal Affairs.

“It’s really disappointing that the committee didn’t actually ask for all the information. The whole point of a select committee is to scrutinise what the government is up to.”

The report and its recommendations will now be considered by the lead minister, Erica Stanford.