Learn About Creating Online Content
Young people today aren’t just scrolling, they’re creating. Whether it’s a TikTok video, a design on Canva, or a remix of a favourite song, many rangatahi use digital tools to express themselves and share their ideas with the world. Creating content helps them build skills, confidence and a voice. The goal for parents and caregivers is to nurture that creativity while helping them understand privacy, ownership, respect, and balance online.
In a nutshell
Creating online content means producing something original like photos, art, videos, stories, songs, animations, memes or tutorials using digital tools, and often sharing it through apps or platforms.
Tamariki and rangatahi may use tools like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Roblox Studio, Canva or CapCut to make and edit their creations. Some do it for fun, others to learn new skills, build a following, or explore career interests.
For many, content creation is a modern form of art and storytelling, a way to contribute to online culture and connect with others who appreciate their work.
5-minute whānau safety check
- We’ve looked together at the privacy or sharing settings for one of their projects
- We’ve talked about what kind of feedback feels positive or hurtful
- We’ve checked if any music, video or image they’ve used belongs to someone else
- We’ve discussed what they’d do if someone copied or reposted their work
- My child knows they can take down content, make edits, or ask for help any time
What to expect
If your child is creating online content you might notice
- Lots of time spent filming, drawing, editing or rehearsing
- Pride in showing you drafts, or frustration when things don’t go to plan
- Reactions to feedback like excitement when something gets attention, or disappointment when it doesn’t
- Interest in upgrading equipment or apps to improve quality
- Deleting or hiding content they feel unsure about
- Sensitivity to feedback, both positive or negative
If your child seems overly stressed about views, starts comparing themselves to others, or stops enjoying the creative process then it’s a good time for a gentle kōrero about balance and wellbeing.
What's the up-side?
Content creation can offer a number of benefits and opportunities
Creativity and voice
Creating online content lets rangatahi express themselves and explore their identity through art, humour, culture or storytelling.
Learning and skill-building
Content creation teaches valuable skills from editing and design to critical thinking and planning. It can even spark interest in digital careers or entrepreneurship.
Connection and collaboration
Online creation can lead to friendships and projects with like-minded people, encouraging teamwork and sharing of ideas.
Confidence and contribution
Publishing something original helps young people feel heard and valued. Their creations can make others laugh, think or learn and this can feel like a meaningful way to contribute online.
I like making short videos because it lets me show side of me I don’t often share.
Youth Participant
No Single Online Experience – Youth Roadshow Report 2025
What's the flip-side?
Creating content is generally positive, but there are a few challenges to be aware of. Here’s what to look for
Comparison culture and originality
Social media can make creative comparison feel personal, and it can be easy to copy trends or other people’s work. Learning to find their own voice takes time.
Copyright and ownership confusion
Using someone else’s song, clip or photo without permission can cause issues or content removal.
Creative burnout and pressure to ‘perform’
Fun creativity can quickly turn stressful
Content and consent
When creating or sharing photos, videos, or posts that include other people, it’s important to ask first. Even if it seems harmless, not everyone feels comfortable being in a picture or tagged online. Sharing without consent can cause embarrassment, conflict, or even harm.
Safety Check
Use the settings
- Check privacy settings on their creative platforms and decide who can view or comment
- Turn off auto-share or sync features that post without approval
- Save copies of their creations offline or in cloud storage
- Use copyright-safe tools like royalty-free music banks
- Learn how to report misuse or inappropriate comments on each platform
Talk about consent
Encourage your child to get a clear “yes” before posting anything that features someone else. Practise simple phrases together like, “Are you okay if I post this?” or “Would you like me to tag you?” It builds respect, trust, and good digital habits that will serve them for life.
Teach them about copyright
Explore royalty-free libraries and teach them to credit creators that they may reference. Check out Creative Commons sites for safe-to-use material.
Top Tips
Click on each block to learn more about how you can support your whānau to create online content safely and responsibly.
Ask what makes their style unique and celebrate original ideas or small creative risks they’ve taken.
- “What’s your favourite thing about making videos for online?”
- “Who inspires you creatively?”
- “What sparked this idea?”
- “What are you proud of?”
When you see creative content online, use it as a starting point. Look at creative content together.
- “How do you think they edited this?”
- “That edit’s clever, how do you think they did it?”
- “Would you try making something similar?”
Create a family video, design or photo project side-by-side.
Let them teach you their tools and style to show trust and respect, and build connection.
- Encourage creative downtime as well as screen-free hobbies
- Talk about setting realistic goals and celebrating progress, not perfection
- Celebrate creativity, originality and effort – not views or likes
- Model openness by sharing something you’ve made, even if it’s imperfect
- Revisit their creative boundaries and goals as they grow
Need help right now?
If you would like any advice or support about keeping your whānau safe online Netsafe can help.
Contact the helpline for free, confidential and non-judgemental advice and support.
