New National Toolkit Targets NZ’s $1 Billion Cyberbullying Crisis

With online harm costing the country up to $1 billion each year through reduced productivity and impacts on education and employment, a new purpose-built programme is being rolled out to schools across the country to address one of the most pervasive issues, cyberbullying.

Netsafe’s new evidence-based cyberbullying prevention toolkit is designed for students in Years 5–13. It includes lesson plans and activities focused on recognising harmful online behaviour, building empathy, responding safely, and leading positive change online.

The launch comes as educators confront the impact of cyberbullying on student wellbeing and learning. While measures such as mobile phone bans aim to reduce in-school disruption, much online harm occurs outside school hours, with effects that spill into classrooms, homes and communities.

Netsafe CEO Brent Carey says the toolkit fills a longstanding gap for schools and will equip the young people of today in becoming more resilient and empathetic online participants; skills they can carry through to adulthood.

“Schools have consistently told us they need practical, structured resources grounded in evidence and tailored to the New Zealand context.”

“This is the first time a comprehensive, research-informed programme of this scale has been made freely available nationwide,” Carey says.

“When harm happens online, the ripple effects extend well beyond a single incident, and prevention and early intervention are critical. When young people understand cyberbullying and its impacts, they’re more likely to engage safely and respectfully online.”

Inspector Rob Sum from the New Zealand Police School Community Officers programme says the resources will be a welcome addition to the online safety capability work they do in schools across the country.

“Police’s school community officers recognise cyber bullying is a present issue within schools, families and communities,” Sum says.

“This is a valuable resource to add to our staff’s kete of knowledge and tools in order to equip and encourage our young people who might be encountering this serious issue.”

Developed with support from the Ministry of Education, the programme draws on established prevention models, including Ireland’s FUSE anti-bullying programme and learnings from New Zealand’s Sticks ‘n Stones, a former bullying prevention programme taken over by Netsafe in early 2025. It is informed by international research, student voice and Netsafe’s experience responding to cases under the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015. It has been tested in school environments to ensure it is practical and adaptable.

The Cyberbullying Prevention Toolkit is available to schools through Netsafe’s Education Kete at https://education.netsafe.org.nz/cyberbullying-prevention-toolkit

Schools seeking support with an online harm issue can contact Netsafe’s free and confidential helpline on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723), email help@netsafe.org.nz, report online at report.netsafe.org.nz or text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282.

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