A leading advocate for digital and online safety and cyberbullying prevention, Netsafe says it is proud to be joining forces with Sticks ‘n Stones, aiming to expand the reach of the highly successful initiative, taking it to a national level.
Since 2013, the organisation has partnered with tamariki and rangatahi empowering them to develop skills and confidence to change the attitudes, norms and behaviours that accept bullying.
Through in-school workshops, online and offline resources, training, activities and events, Sticks ’n Stones has changed expectations about the involvement of young people in bullying prevention and positive social change, and has positively impacted the skills, confidence and understanding of thousands of young people to make a difference in their schools and communities.
Netsafe CEO Brent Carey says combining Sticks ’n Stone’s expertise and youth focused efforts with the expertise and reach of Netsafe will create a unique proposition.
“Together we will form a youth centric national anti-bullying force that can provide better preventive and faster and more cost effective support to youth experiencing online and offline bullying.”
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) May 2024 report highlights the significant impact bullying has on students’ mental health and attendance.
The document reveals New Zealand reports the highest rate of bullying among OECD countries and the PISA 2018 survey indicated that 15 per cent of students in New Zealand reported being frequently bullied.
Netsafe’s own research completed in 2018 and 2023 by economist Shamubeel Equab estimated the societal cost of cyberbullying to New Zealand is $1.071 billion a year, up from $444 million in 2018.
The joining of the two organisations will formally take place at the beginning of Term 1, 2025.
As part of the change, Karla Sanders, founder and CEO of Sticks ‘n Stones and Jennifer Huddleston, operations lead, will join Netsafe as employees and lead the integration work and programme expansion.
“I am thrilled to join the Netsafe team from my South Island home base and bring the Sticks ‘n Stones programme to a wider national audience,” Sanders says.
“This partnership allows us to build on the success we’ve achieved and make an even greater impact on the lives of young people across New Zealand.”
Sanders says joining forces with Netsafe provides the resources and support needed to take Sticks ‘n Stones to the next level.
“Together, we can empower even more young people to stand up against bullying, share their insights and expertise about their challenges and needs, and drive positive change in their communities through authentic and inclusive collaboration,” she says.
