Young people in Aotearoa face complex and often interconnected challenges. These can significantly affect their wellbeing and development, both now and into adulthood. These may include problematic substance use, online gambling from a young age and the impact of social media use.
What do we know about these challenges
- Problems with substances start early – half of all New Zealanders with a substance dependence issue were already dependent by the time they were 19.
- Studies suggest that gambling is one of the first potentially risky activities that children engage in, before use of alcohol and other drugs (AoD) or sexual activity. Early behaviours such as online forms of gambling can lead to harm later on.
- Social media provides a key outlet for young people to connect with friends and express themselves, however, there are also significant challenges in managing unwanted and harmful content. Rangatahi find both helpful and harmful online content, but the influence of algorithms can sometimes make it difficult to get reliable and positive information.
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people is central to the Tūturu approach.
Secondary schools provide a protective and supportive environment for young people, but school staff don’t have to do it on their own. We can partner with school leaders to connect with local health providers. Our shared aim is to help students who are having a tough time, stay in school.
The resources include:
- Classroom ready curriculum resources for Years 9–13.
- Professional learning and development for school staff.
- A range of tools to help schools include wellbeing planning including a process to co-design a wellbeing framework with students.
Who these resources are for
These resources are designed for a wide range of school staff, including teachers, heads of department, pastoral care staff, school leaders, and school boards.
“Tūturu weaves into the curriculum, it’s good information that’s assisting your students in making wise choices. The Pastoral Care team at school has developed an increased awareness of the people to contact and the other services available to help ... make a commitment to make a difference — use something that’s been well evaluated, that uses evidence, that knows how to speak to rangatahi.”
— Chair of secondary school board