BACKINg
PARENTS
PROTECTING
CHILDHOOD
Technology has transformed childhood, but the systems designed to protect children haven't kept pace.
At B416, we work to create a safer, healthier digital world for children. We support parents with practical, evidence-based resources while advocating for stronger policies and greater accountability from the technology companies shaping young people's lives.
Parents play a vital role, but they shouldn't have to carry this responsibility alone. Creating healthier digital childhoods requires action from government, schools, technology companies and communities alike.
That's why B416 is advocating for:
Our Advocacy …
1
A legal minimum age of 16 for social media
Children deserve the time and space to develop before entering online environments designed for adults.
2
A dedicated online safety regulator with enforceable powers to protect children
Independent oversight with the powers needed to hold platforms accountable and better protect children.
3
Stronger accountability for technology companies
Platforms should take responsibility for designing products that prioritise children's safety and wellbeing.
4
Practical education for every family
Evidence-based education that equips parents, caregivers and schools with the knowledge and confidence to navigate today's digital world.
Hear the stories
One Young Mind podcast brings together some of New Zealand's and the world's leading experts to explore the biggest questions facing families today—from smartphones and social media to AI, mental health and childhood development.
Hosted by Matilda Green and Dr Maneesh Deva.
Listen Or watch now on all your favourite podcast platforms
STraight from the front line with steve mccracken and rachael wilson
JEN’S STORY: LOSING HARRY
Inside the teen brain: How social media shapes development with Dr Samantha Marsh
BLOwing the whistle on big tech with arturo bejar
Inside aotearoa’s online wild west with jo robertson and holly brooker
RECLAIMING CHILDHOOD IN A DIGITAL AGE WITH JONATHAN HAIDT & PRIME MINISTER CHRISTOPHER LUXON
PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
The
parent toolkit
event
Our Childhood Rewired event brought together New Zealand's leading experts in neuroscience, child development, online safety and youth wellbeing to share practical strategies that you can now watch/download and use at home.
watch THE event videos …
DR SAMANTHA MARSH — ONE OF NZ’S LEADING RESEARCHERS ON SCREENS AND YOUNG PEOPLE, SPEAKING ON THE DEVELOPING BRAIN AND WHY CHILDREN ARE UNIQUELY VULNERABLE ONLINE.
ROBERT KNIGHT — PHYSIO TO THE BREAKERS, SPEAKING ON THE PHYSICAL IMPACTS OF SCREEN-BASED CHILDHOODS.
YOUTH PANEL:
Mackenzie roskrudge, Arden mouranga, caden scott,
EXPERT PANEL:
KELLIE LAVENDER — EATING DISORDERS AND BODY IMAGE
RICHIE HARDCORE — BOYS, MASCULINITY AND ONLINE INFLUENCE
JO ROBERTSON — SEXUAL HARM & HOW TO APPROACH TRICKY TOPICS WITH YOUR KIDS
Download the parenting toolkit …
There is no perfect formula for raising children in the digital age, but there are exceptional experts helping parents understand the research and make confident, practical decisions. Here are a list of our favourite resources to continue the conversation and share with friends and family.
proudly supported by:
Why this matters
Statistics tell an important story, but behind every number are real families trying to navigate a rapidly changing digital world.
3 out of 4 young people (75%) say mental health is the biggest issue they face. With half of all young people in Aotearoa identifying social media as a major issue.
83% of New Zealanders are concerned about harmful or inappropriate content online. With social media platforms the main space where young people see this content
(Classification Office Report — What We’re Watching (2022))(Horizon Research Poll (December 2024))
A 400% surge in high or very high psychological distress in 15–24 year olds in the 11 year period to 2023 , increased from 5.1% (2011/12) to 21.2% (2022/23).
(New Zealand Health Survey (2022/23) and Mental Health Foundation Commentary)
74% of New Zealand adults support setting an age limit for social media.
How can I Help?
Join the
movement
Sign up to receive updates, tools, and ways to take action to help protect kids before 16.
Follow Us
Follow us on Instagram for updates, insights, and real stories.Together, we’re protecting childhood — one post at a time. #Before16
Get in touch.
BACKING PARENTS
PROTECTING CHILDHOOD