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. 

Please remind your child 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. We have in-school counselling services that can be accessed by students (the Counselling Cottage) and there are other agencies which can provide free support which 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. We encourage 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  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.