A new Netsafe report says 38% of Kiwis experienced unwanted digital communications in 2025. 14% reported that these experiences negatively impacted their lives, including their sleep, work, study, and mental health. More than a third of people affected said these experiences disrupted their ability to participate online as they normally would.
58% of LGBTQI+ respondents said they experienced unwanted communication, as did 51% of people under 30. One-tenth of respondents acknowledged having sent or shared at least one form of unwanted communication in the past year.
It’s rarely an isolated incident. Repeated contact from the same person was the most commonly reported behaviour, followed by unwanted sexual advances and offensive messages.
Respondents also reported being deliberately excluded from peer groups, targeted with false allegations, subjected to physical threats, and monitored online in ways intended to intimidate or control.
“This data shows us that unwanted digital communication isn’t just unpleasant, it’s impacting people’s daily lives,” says Netsafe CEO Brent Carey.
“We’re seeing real disruption to sleep, work, study and wellbeing, and that’s why support and reporting options matter now more than ever.”
Three-quarters of respondents said they would report harmful or dangerous content if they encountered it, yet only 28% of those who experienced unwanted communication actually sought help from a support service.
Among those who did reach out, experiences were mixed. Around half said the support they received was helpful, with people who contacted Netsafe or their telecommunications provider most likely to rate the assistance as effective.
“People want to do the right thing, but many still try to cope on their own,” Carey says. “We want people to know they don’t have to go through this alone – free, confidential help is available.”
Most New Zealanders are taking steps to protect themselves online. Two-thirds said they had taken action in the past year to improve digital safety, such as changing privacy settings, strengthening passwords, or avoiding scams. Nine in ten said they would consider taking further protective measures in the future.
Netsafe says the findings underline both growing awareness and ongoing anxiety about online spaces, particularly for groups disproportionately affected by unwanted digital contact. https://netsafe.org.nz/
