July 12, 2016
Indigenous challenge to online bullying
The national Maori and Pasifika suicide prevention programme, Waka Hourua, is trying to develop Maori-focused resources tackling online bullying.
Leadership group member Professor Sir Mason Durie says there is a need to address the mental health implications of bullying and cyber- bullying in regard to the person on the receiving end and the perpetrator.
He says the newly-released document will provide a basis for groups, agencies, parents and whanau to find ways to advocate for improved cybersafety programmes for indigenous populations.
Strategies could include interactive pamphlets, cybersafety websites and videos.
Programme lead Mapihi Raharuhi says young people and their whanau need to know where to go to for support if they are harassed online.
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