BACKINg
PARENTS
PROTECTING
CHILDHOOD
We’ve created a new podcast
Our young people live in a digital world. Technology brings benefits, but does social media help more than it harms? IN ONE YOUNG MIND podcast WE explore why it’s so hard for young people to put their phones down and how life online is impacting their mental health.
This podcast is about listening, learning, and not shying away from the hard truths. Understanding what is really happening for young people online is the first step to keeping them safe.
HOSTED BY:
Matilda Green and Dr Maneesh Deva
Release Details:
New episodes drop every Tuesday. Season 1 features 10 episodes.
Listen Or watch now on all your favourite podcast platforms
Episode 1: STraight from the front line with steve mccracken and rachael wilson
EPISODE 2: Inside the teen brain: How social media shapes development with Dr Samantha Marsh
PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
It’s time to take action
As parents, we all want our kids to have the best childhood possible. We know technology brings incredible opportunities, but we also know there are serious downsides to growing up in the digital age, and social media is one of them.
It’s hurting our kids.
It’s time to take action. JOIN THE MOVEMENT to set a minimum age of 16 for social media in New Zealand. Let’s protect our kids while they grow.
Why 16?
16 is the right AGE because teens are better equipped to handle the pressure, comparison, and addictive design of social media. Their brains are more developed, their judgement
is stronger, and they’re less vulnerable to online harm. Just like we set age limits for driving or drinking, we should do the same
for platforms that impact mental health.
Why Social Media?
Not all online activity is equal. Social media
is designed to capture attention and shape behaviour, especially in teens. It uses personal profiles, addictive algorithms, constant feedback, and opens the door to strangers, creating a perfect storm of pressure, comparison and risk for developing minds.
THE FACTS
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?
Sign the
Petition
Sign the petition to help raise the social media age to 16 and protect the wellbeing of our kids. Every signature makes a difference.
Donate
Today
Donate to help us protect kids before 16. Your support powers our campaign, amplifies our voice, and drives real change FOR THE CHARITY.
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