Professional development
We offer engaging, research-informed professional development for those supporting rangatahi, including teachers, youth workers, and community leaders.
Our focus is on reducing content harm by empowering trusted adults with practical tools to respond to harmful and illegal content in ways that work for young people.
By working with communities, we provide prevention education that is grounded in real-world practice.
We have worked alongside nationwide organisations and agencies including Tuturu, Youthline, PPTA, and Ara Taiohi.
"Excellent PD with practical strategies we can use straight away"
Teacher
Professional development topics covered
Our sessions are designed to build confidence in navigating challenging conversations about young people’s online experiences with harmful or illegal content.
Topics we offer currently include:
A. Rangatahi and Content Harm: Practical Tools for Adults Working with Young People
B. Bespoke Topic-based Sessions Relevant to Different Organisations
Our sessions are grounded in New Zealand research and informed by youth voice, providing practical strategies and tools you can use in real-world settings.
Sessions in-person and/or online
Flexible delivery options are available, both in person and online, and can be tailored to suit the needs of your organisation or community.
Sessions can range from 1 hour to half day – see the following examples of the range of options for our “Rangatahi and Content Harm” workshop:
- In-depth interactive workshop: 2.5–3 hours | Practitioners working with rangatahi
Grounded in rangatahi voices and Classification Office research. Explore harmful and objectionable online content, legal boundaries, and trauma-informed approaches. Includes interactive reflection and practical tools for everyday practice. - Condensed workshop: 90 minutes | Mixed practitioner audiences
Covers the same content in a shorter format. Ideal for introductions or refreshers with less group interaction. - High-level information session: 1 hour | Senior leaders and decision-makers
Key research insights, legal framework, and how the Classification Office can support your organisation.
"A wonderful presentation, very clear link to both research and rangatahi voices"
Psychologist
Get in touch and register your interest
If you’re looking for practical, evidence-informed support to help you have conversations with young people, about harmful or potentially illegal content we’d love to hear from you.
Email to register your interest or get in touch to discuss what might work for your setting: info@classificationoffice.govt.nz
"This training really hit the mark for the audience of Youth Primary Mental Health kaimahi"
Mental health practitioner
Additional training options
In addition to our professional development programme, we offer tailored training and presentations for specific sectors and audiences.
One of our key offerings is forensic training for professionals whose work intersects with the law and harm reduction in relation to objectionable (illegal) content. This includes groups such as law enforcement, lawyers, and others working in related fields. The training draws on the Classification Office's expertise in forensic classification, provides practical insights into the legal framework surrounding objectionable material and goes through the process of submitting publications for classification.
For more information about our forensic training, email info@classificationoffice.govt.nz
We also provide guest lectures and presentations for universities, introductory "Classification 101" lunchtime sessions for government agencies, and educational visits for schools. School groups visiting the Office can take part in our popular "Mini Censor for a Day" experience, where students learn about the classification system and explore the factors considered when making classification decisions.
Not a professional but still want support?
We also provide presentations for parents and whānau, offering practical support for having these conversations at home.
Was this helpful?
If you'd like to know more about this topic, get in touch. We're happy to help.
