Business. Scoop » Netsafety Week – Comprehensive Programme Recommended For Caregivers Or Anyone Working With NZ Youth
Press Release – NetsafeNetsafe Chief Executive Brent Carey says online safety is no longer an issue that belongs to one organisation or one generation. Free nationwide programme brings together global experts,. . .
Press Release – NetsafeNetsafe Chief Executive Brent Carey says online safety is no longer an issue that belongs to one organisation or one generation. Free nationwide programme brings together global experts, community leaders and everyday New Zealanders to tackle the country’s biggest online challengesArtificial intelligence. Online scams. Digital abuse. Gaming. Misinformation. Youth wellbeing. These are just some of the issues taking centre stage during Netsafety Week 2026, as Netsafe launches its biggest programme yet to help New Zealanders build a safer and more positive online future. Running from 17–21 August, the free week-long series of online events will bring together international technology leaders, academics, frontline practitioners, policymakers and community advocates under the theme “Online safety is a team sport – play your part. ”More than a dozen sessions will explore the online issues shaping life in Aotearoa today – from protecting children in an AI-powered world and responding to sophisticated scams, to supporting women in leadership, empowering rangatahi, strengthening online communities and understanding the rapidly evolving digital culture influencing young people. Netsafe Chief Executive Brent Carey says online safety is no longer an issue that belongs to one organisation or one generation. “Every New Zealander spends part of their life online. Whether we’re parents, employers, teachers, community leaders, young people or simply internet users, we all have a role to play in creating safer digital spaces. “The online world is changing faster than ever. AI is transforming how we learn and communicate, scammers are becoming more sophisticated, and young people are navigating digital experiences previous generations never encountered. Netsafety Week is about bringing together the people, ideas and practical tools that can help New Zealand respond together. ”This year’s webinar programme features experts from New Zealand and around the world. Among the many panellists are event partners and representatives from Roblox, One New Zealand, Snap Inc. , the University of Canterbury, Massey University, Spark, TrendLife, the Mental Health Foundation, Burnett Foundation Aotearoa and Safe Space Alliance, also supported by TikTok and Meta. Highlights include:Scamscape Aotearoa– an inside look at today’s scams and how New Zealanders can protect themselves. Featured speakers: Amad Khan, Trend Life Senior Retail Channel Manager; Ross Dickson, Spark Head of Fraud; Sean Lyons, Netsafe Chief Online Safety Officer. AI and Online Safety in Aotearoa– exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping both online opportunities and emerging harms. Featured speakers: Aykud Gonen, Roblox Product Director; Ben Au, Snap Inc Head of ANZ Public Policy; Shannon Novak, AI Safety Forum Director; Jonathon Jansen, Esports Federation CEO. Raising Safe and Resilient Kids Online– practical advice for parents navigating gaming, social media, AI and digital wellbeing. Featured speakers: Elizabeth Milovidov, Roblox Senior Director for Global Parental Advocacy; Dr Cara Swit, University of Canterbury. Young Changemakers of Aotearoa– celebrating rangatahi leading positive change online. Featured speakers: Lola Fischer, Happy Media / Gen Z Aotearoa; Andre Fa’aoso, Youth Action Squad Alumni and Yale University undergraduate; Alicia Lemmer, Netsafe Board member; Lexi Thomson Mō Āpōpō programme participantFree to Lead Online– addressing the impact of online abuse on women in public life and leadership. Featured speakers: Sophie Barker, Mayor of Dunedin; Jaqueline Comer, Areto Labs Director. Suze Wilson, Associate Professor- Massey UniversityFrom the Manosphere to Dark Romance– helping parents and educators understand the online communities shaping young people’s beliefs, relationships and identities. Featured speakers: Kate Handley, Founder of Violence Free Aotearoa; Claire Meehan, Senior Lecturer in Criminology at University of Auckland, Nikki Denholm MNZM -The Light Project; Carol Harrington, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Victoria University of WellingtonSafer Spaces for Rainbow Communities Online– improving safety and inclusion for rainbow communities online. Featured speakers: Shannon Novak, Safe Space Alliance, Director; Bex Fraser, Kahukura, Executive Lead; Tui Te Hau, Burnett Foundation, Innovation Lead. Holding the Line– examining the challenges of moderating online communities while protecting wellbeing and social cohesion. Featured speakers: Mark Wilson, Mental Health Foundation, Senior Media Advisor; Katie Brown, Social Good, Chief Executive; Richard Knights, What’s News Dunedin, Facebook Group Moderator; Melodie Jacquinod, Auckland Council Senior Social Media Specialist; Ollie, a Discord community moderatorRather than focusing solely on risks, Netsafety Week has been designed to equip people with practical knowledge, confidence and strategies they can use in everyday life. Brent Carey says that approach reflects the reality of online safety in 2026. “People don’t need more reasons to feel anxious about technology. They need practical advice, trusted information and confidence to navigate an increasingly connected world. “Our goal is for everyone who joins Netsafety Week to leave with a better understanding of today’s online challenges – and, more importantly, practical actions they can take to help themselves, their whānau and their communities. ”All sessions arefree and open to the public, with specialised events tailored for parents, educators, businesses, community organisations, policymakers, youth workers and online professionals. Registerto attend any of the sessions or receive a recording post-event. Content Sourced fromscoop. co. nzOriginal url