Source: Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission
To mark Mental Awareness Health Week 2026, Te Hiringa Mahara is calling for an independent online safety regulator to help address online harms and make digital communities safer for young people. Safer online spaces can support belonging and connection, both of which are protective factors vital to young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
‘Belonging matters’ is the theme of this year’s mental health awareness week. For many rainbow, disabled and geographically isolated young people, online spaces provide connection, affirmation, identity and belonging that may not be available offline.
“Young people consistently tell us they use online spaces to connect with friends and whānau, explore their identity, express themselves creatively, learn, advocate, and participate in their communities,” says Te Hiringa Mahara Director of Wellbeing and Insights, Dr Ella Cullen.
“Rainbow and disabled young people aged 13-to-19 years are less likely to feel a sense of belonging to New Zealand than other young people. Research consistently shows that for many rainbow and disabled young people, online communities are a vital source of support and inclusion.
“Of course, we acknowledge the online harms experienced by young people are real. Rainbow young people experience high rates of online bullying. Disabled young people are disproportionately targeted by online harassment. Rangatahi Māori are more likely to encounter harmful content, including racism.
“To be crystal clear, this is not an argument for fewer online spaces, but for safer ones. Safer online spaces mean we keep the benefits for young people like belonging and social connection”
“Young people should be listened to, respected, and supported. The onus of safety online should not rest on their shoulders.
“Rather than restricting access to online communities, we should be requiring age appropriate platforms and algorithms that do not cause harm to young people. An independent online safety regulator could provide oversight, enforce standards, and help create safer digital environments without cutting young people off from the connection and support they rely on.
“Belonging is one of the strongest protective factors for youth mental wellbeing that we need to strengthen and support. Alongside robust education and designing solutions with young people, that’s where an independent regulator for online spaces comes in,” says Dr Cullen.
Notes for editors
Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 12-18 October. Find out more: https://mhaw.nz
Key facts
- A third of young people aged 13-19 years spend 5 or more hours a day on social media (YHWS 2026)
- Fewer rainbow and disabled young people aged 13-19 years feel safe online compared to young people who are not in these groups (YHWS 2026)
- Rainbow and disabled young people aged 13-19 years are less likely to feel a sense of belonging to New Zealand than young people not in these groups (YHWS 2026)
- Young people aged 15-24 years who interact with specialist services are less likely to report a sense of belonging to New Zealand compared to young people who don’t interact with services (GSS 2023)