"Social media influencers often present a highly curated and filtered version of their lives, showcasing only the positive aspects. This can create unrealistic beauty standards, success and happiness for children. Constant exposure to this may lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-worth and dissatisfaction."

Dr Emma Woodward

"The importance of celebrating Matariki as a country, for tamariki Māori, cannot be understated. When your culture is seen and valued by the wider populace, it is uplifting and fills our tamariki with a sense of pride."

Myles Ferris

“As human beings, our brains haven’t evolved fast enough to adapt to the digital world that we now live in. This means that the overload of messages that we receive through ever-present media platforms often results in stress, anxiety, and overwhelm."

Dr Emma Woodward

“Parents can help instil hope by encouraging their kids to see life as it is. Human beings, particularly young ones, hate uncertainty and often their natural response is to exhibit varying degrees of fear and anxiety."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Consent is an agreement between people to engage in sexual activity. It means freely choosing to say yes to sexual activity without being pressured into it through guilt, threats or peer influence. It’s always got to be clearly communicated - there should be no ambiguity or doubt."

Dr Emma Woodward

“A formula in dealing with adolescents is force equals resistance. Sometimes it just isn’t possible to stop them doing whatever it is they want to do. Regardless of everything, all you want is for them to come home safe, so start the conversation today!"

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Disappointment is a normal, though difficult, part of growing up and can be a tricky emotion to deal with at any age. How your children learn to respond to disappointment will determine its impact on their future achievement and happiness.”

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Although e-cigarettes have been around for more than a decade, vaping rates have skyrocketed in recent years, especially among teenagers, and many parents are justifiably concerned.”

Dr Hannah Norris

“Mobile phones are not only distracting, but cause stress for young children. Enabling them to focus on lessons and learn better socialising skills, can reduce their social media use and minimise online bullying.”

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Parents should ensure they offer appropriate emotional and practical support to their children, without creating undue stress about academic performance. This will help them to maintain perspective and focus during exam time.”

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg