Why this event matters for Wānaka families.

Last week on More FM Queenstown, Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College principal Nicola Jacobsen joined Joel on air to talk about the social media and online epidemic affecting families across our region.

Every day at the school gates she sees it first-hand - the challenge of raising teens in a digital world, moving faster than any of us can keep up.

Nicola, a passionate educator with a deep commitment to community connection, didn’t mince her words:

“You have to think of online predators like it’s their full-time job.

“Parents often feel isolated like it’s just happening to just their child. But it’s not.

“Social media, gaming, even online gambling: these things are hooking our teenagers in ways we never have had to face.”

Nicola understands the pressures parents face today, however she also knows the power of coming together as a wider community to support our rangatahi.

That’s why she’s throwing her support behind an important upcoming event hosted by Path Wānaka:

Our Kids Online with Rob Cope

Thursday September 11

6:30pm Lake Wānaka Centre

Get your tickets here.

Rob Cope’s Our Kids Online is a powerful, practical session for parents and caregivers. Whether you’ve got a teenager deep into the world of social media or gaming, or a younger child just starting their digital journey, this evening will give you tools, strategies and insights to help keep them safe, balanced and well.

It’s not about fear, it’s about feeling well equipped.

As Nicola said, “education is about preparing young people for their lives now and in the future. That includes their online lives".

Who is this event for?

Parents, caregivers, grandparents

Educators and youth workers

Anyone who wants to better understand the digital world our kids live in.

Can’t afford a ticket?

No problem, we don’t want cost to be a barrier – just reach out to us and we’ll make sure you’re looked after. Contact email: [email protected]

We’re lucky to live in a place like Wānaka, where the outdoors are our playground and community still matters. But even here, we’re not immune to the challenges of the digital age. Let’s show up for our kids!

Get your ticket now

Click here to hear the full interview between Nicola Jacobsen, te Kura o Tititea principal Mount Aspiring College and Joel Palmer, More FM Breakfast Host – Queenstown.