Warning: This page contains information that may be distressing or triggering for some people. If you need help, please contact support services.
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.
Identifying the risks for tamariki and rangatahi
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:
There may also be cyberbullying or trolling from teammates and other children they consider friends. For example, sending negative comments about:
More about 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:
Reducing the risks when using social media
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:
Sending messages to tamariki and rangatahi
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:
Take care when sharing information online
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.
More on taking and sharing images of children and young people
Reducing the risks as a club or organisation
Have social media and digital communications policies and guidelines that explain:
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.
Reducing the risks as a parent or caregiver
Tips on sharing children’s images online – netsafe.org.nz https://netsafe.org.nz/sharenting/
Raising concerns
If you see concerning online behaviour towards a child or young person, contact your club, organisation, or the Sport Integrity Commission.
More information
See more guidance about child safeguarding
Find and contact a support service
Use the online form to make a complaint to us