Professor Chris Marshall hosted a recent roundtable session of over 40 invited participants to consider the role of restorative practices in combatting the problem of cyber-aggression amongst young people.

A gathering of over 40 invited participants considered the role of restorative practices in combatting the problem of cyber-aggression amongst young people, at an event hosted by the Diana Unwin Chair in Restorative Justice Professor Chris Marshall .

The roundtable on August 23, supported by the Ministry of Education, brought together academics, restorative practitioners, student representatives, educational leaders, police, policymakers, youth organisations and key NGOs to consider how schools might respond restoratively to episodes of online bullying and harassment and non-consensual sexting.

Participants heard that while bullying has existed since the dawn of time, in the digital age it has acquired an unprecedented capacity to inflict harm.

Parents, teachers and policymakers are needing to play catch-up in developing effective responses to online abuse, given today's near universal access to digital technology by school children and young people.

As well as the latest research findings on the prevalence and impact of cyber aggression in New Zealand, participants discussed the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 and its implications for schools, and the new role NetSafe will play under the legislation.

A NetSafe representative described the event as "a truly excellent day, a great audience, and a really interesting discussion", and expressed a desire to build its knowledge base of restorative practices.

A highlight of the day was a presentation from two students from Aotea College about student-led initiatives at the school to address bullying.

"We thought it very important to include the voice of young people in the roundtable, and they turned out to be the stars. They were extraordinary," said Professor Marshall.

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