Helping address online harm are Otago young digital leaders (from left) Malak Tamimi, 16, Shiva Kasibhatla, 15, and Betty Pagulayan, 17. Netsafe’s Otago Young Digital Leaders Pilot aims to empower teenagers in Dunedin, Central, North and South Otago to shape internet safety. The online safety organisation will facilitate the three-year pilot while ensuring participants remain the primary decision-makers. Being online had benefits including taking up opportunities to be involved in a wide range of youth advisory and advocacy roles. The pilot came at a critical time, as youth navigated an increasingly complex digital environment, Mr Carey said.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 08, 2026 18:03 UTC