“They told usit’sstilldifficultto talk with parents and whānau. They want the skillstonavigate sexuality messages they find onlineand to build healthy relationships.
“Young people do not want RSE left to chance, or for pornography to be the main educator. They want opportunities to discuss the gender and sexuality norms that shape their worlds and influence their wellbeing.”
The free online platform aims toprovidea wide range of reliable information about sexuality, sexualhealthand relationships. It includes an app, Instagram, andTikToksite for young people as well as a website for parents/whānau, educators and anyone working withrangatahi.
ձʳɲٲԲ:Beyond the Birds and Beesaims to bring RSE material into one space.“Young people have questions,and we want to ensure they are getting trustworthy answers froma range ofsources across the country,”Clellandsays.
“A critical aspect of this platform is that it is co-constructed with young people. We hope it will be a living platform where we continually add to the content based on ongoing feedback.
“Our research has told us that if we really want toopen upthekōreroabout relationships and sexuality,we need to use a range of digital technologies. ձʳɲٲԲcreates a space where everyone can learn together”.
The team worked alongside NZ stakeholders and, a Netherlands RSE platform that answers all those awkward,funnyand confusing questions.ձʳɲٲԲcovers many topics, including being in love for the first time, gender identity, breaking up, safer sex, boundaries, bodies,consentand healthy relationships.
Clelland says while there was a small amount of funding for theinitialstages of the project, much of the mahi has been voluntary hours by a team of people keen to deliver the RSE young peoplewant..“We will need further funding and input, including feedback from anyone who accesses the platform, to continue opening up thekōreroaround relationships, gender and sexuality.”
Find out more and give us feedback at ձʳɲٲԲ: