Secondary teachers welcome select committee recommendations into young people's safety online

“We welcome the recommendations, released yesterday, of the Education and Workforce Committee’s inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders encounter online, and the roles that Government, business, and society should play in addressing those harms.”

A paper to PPTA’s annual conference last year, responding to online extremism, was a canary in the coalmine, he said.

“New Zealand teachers are witnessing firsthand the disruptive impact of these harms on classroom dynamics, students’ ability to think critically, their mental health, and teacher workload. Critical media literacy should be an essential part of a range of curricula. 

“We agree with the select committee that it is important to educate and empower parents, caregivers, and young people. We have been advocating for professional development for teachers who have been thrown in the deep end, using and managing digital tools and technologies. 

“The Government must address legislative gaps and overlaps and strengthen liability for online harm.

“PPTA will continue to question the purpose of digital tools and technologies in education and calls for further research that increases our collective understanding of their impacts and strongly supports the recommendation for New Zealand-based research and its promotion. 

“As a member of the Online Safety Coalition, we join the call for the establishment of an independent national regulator for online safety. Companies should be required to provide transparency over their products and processes. Everyone deserves to be safe online.”  

Chris Abercrombie said it was crucial to engage with young people in these debates and discussions. 

“Young people must be front and centre in our efforts to build digital resilience and belonging in the face of growing division online and in our communities.”