Over the past four years we have assessed and monitored mental health and wellbeing outcomes for groups with highest mental health need including young people and rangatahi. We have also commissioned a range of literature and research on broader determinants of mental health and wellbeing for rangatahi and young people and heard from young people themselves what they think good mental health and wellbeing looks like. Our research shows that social media and safety online is a key driver of wellbeing for rangatahi and young people. This was backed by many rangatahi and young people. Our work on the drivers of mental health and wellbeing, including social media and safety online, forms the basis of this submission.
Our submission provides advice on both the harms and benefits of online spaces, to rangatahi and young peoples’ mental health and wellbeing. This includes both evidence (where available) and the voices of rangatahi and young people.