Important Public Notices to Schools

Ms J Anderson —

Advisory for Schools: In relation to Christchurch shooting videos and measles

Netsafe has received a number of reports of online content relating to the attacks in Christchurch. Footage of the attacks has been deemed objectionable under New Zealand law which means that possessing or distributing the footage is an offence.

Anyone who finds footage of the attacks online should report it to Netsafe at netsafe.org.nz/report but they should not keep copies or share it. Netsafe encourages schools to speak with students about what to do if they come across the footage and about the fact that sharing the footage with this classification is against the law.

The footage of the Christchurch attacks is disturbing and will be harmful for people to see. If students have viewed the video and are struggling with what they have seen it’s likely they will require additional support. Agencies which can provide free support include Youthline, Need to Talk and Kidsline.

While the content is online there is some risk that children or young people may come across it. Netsafe encourages schools and parents to proactively discuss with young people what they should do if they come across distressing content online. Further information is available at netsafe.org.nz/upsetting-content

If parents or schools have questions relating to this incident or other distressing online content they can contact Netsafe for free and confidential advice at netsafe.org.nz or call 0508 NETSAFE.


Notifiable Diseases Health Information to Schools and Early Childhood Centre

We are pleased to confirm, as advised by Marion Poore, Medical Officer of Health, that there have been no further cases of measles in our region.

We have been asked to share the following information about notification and information sharing:

Cases of suspected measles must be notified to Public Health South by health care providers so that the appropriate public health actions can be put in place. This will include notification to the school or early childhood service when a child or young person has been notified, and Public Health staff will provide accurate and appropriate information to you, and assist with communications as needed.

If you do hear about cases from families – please verify information before acting. This could be via your public health nurse or by contacting the on-call health protection officer through Hospital switchboards Dunedin (03) 474 0999 or Invercargill (03) 218 1949.

Ngā mihi

Julie