Using social and digital media can be a great way for parents, caregivers, and children and young people taking part in an activity to communicate with one another. 

Texting, group chats, email, livestreaming and video apps, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and other social media platforms are used mostly in a positive way. They can be great for sharing information and photos, providing updates, building group culture and for friends and whānau to keep in touch and celebrate success. 

Unfortunately using social media and communicating online can also result in harm to tamariki and rangatahi. Adults, and children and young people themselves, may use social media and online messaging to: 

• bully, abuse, intimidate or harass – called cyberbullying 

• share graphic content and pornography 

• re-share or use photos or video without consent, or used in a way that’s inappropriate or causes harm 

• gain access to children and young people to build their trust, and groom them for abuse and online sexual exploitation  

There may also be cyberbullying or trolling from teammates and other children they consider friends. For example, sending negative comments about:  

• their performance or achievements 

• how they look or who they are. 

Useful links

• Learn how to identify and protect tamariki and rangatahi from grooming 

• Child sexual exploitation — keepitrealonline.govt.nz 

Children and young people may see or be sent harmful online content. For example:  

• pornography, racist or hate material or violent behaviour 

• content that encourages the use of harmful substances like illegal drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or vapes 

• seeing content or engaging in behaviours that promote unhealthy attitudes towards their health and bodies, for example pro-anorexia or self-harm content. 

It’s everyone’s responsibility to make sure social media and communicating online is safer for children and young people, and for adults too. This includes: 

• clubs and organisations when using social media and messaging apps to communicate with children and young people 

• staff, volunteers, parents and caregivers 

• children and young people. 

As an adult, communicating online with children and young people must be done with care.  

It’s never ok to privately contact a child or young person. If you are sending messages or chatting to tamariki or rangatahi online: 

• never send messages separately to a child or young person, always include the parent or caregiver, or send a group message 

• make sure there are at least two adults in a chat group where children or young people are also present  

• only send messages with content that is directly about the sport or recreation activity, for example, a coach informing everyone that there has been a change of game time or training 

• never add, like, friend or follow children or young people on messaging apps or social media platforms. 

Sharing personal details online that could identify tamariki or rangatahi carries risks. People can use personal details to identify children and young people and use the information to gain access to them. Personal information can include clubs and activities they belong to, their home or school address, their friends and whānau or images that identify them. 

Teach children and young people to keep their personal details and location settings on their phone or device private. 

Never copy or share images unless you have consent from the parent or caregiver. If someone makes images or videos public, for example by sharing them on social media, this can have a negative impact on the child or young person in the images.  

Read about taking and sharing images of children and young people

Have social media and digital communications policies and guidelines that explain: 

• the rules for contacting children and young people, and how you communicate with them 

• the use or your club or organisation’s website and social media accounts, including child safeguarding practices 

• what your expectations are for children and young people when they use social media or messaging apps, including when they post or share content within the team or club’s social media or group chat. 

All information posted online must be correct and appropriate. Children and young people may like or follow the club or organisation’s social media platforms. 

Don’t contact children or young people without their parent or caregiver’s consent and knowledge. 

Do not share pictures of children or young people or information about them online unless it is safe, appropriate and you have their and their parents’, caregiver or whānau consent. This includes children and young people sharing content with each other.  

Make reporting easy. 

• Make sure children and their parents or caregivers know they can report an incident or make a complaint. Let them know you take all concerns and complaints seriously. 

• Have clear lines of reporting and actions for when people do speak up. 

• Have a clear process to follow up complaints and concerns. 

• As a parent or caregiver, familiarise yourself with your child’s club or oganisation’s social media policy and guidelines. Follow the guidelines set by the club. 

• Speak to your child about online safety and the risks involved. This includes the type of content they create and share with others. 

• Encourage them to tell you if someone is messaging them in a way that doesn’t feel right or makes them feel uncomfortable. 

• Speak up if you think your tamariki or rangatahi is being bullied or abused online, or being contacted in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable. Tell your club or organisation. 

Tips on sharing children’s images online - netsafe.org.nz

• Call the police on 111 if you think a child or young person (or anyone else) is in danger.  

• If you see concerning online behaviour towards a child or young person, contact your club, organisation, or contact us.