Headspace Invaders launched to help teens tackle online harms

Headspace Invaders, a new interactive platform designed to build online resilience and critical thinking among 12–16-year-olds, has been launched in Wellington.

The platform, developed by Netsafe with input from young people, educators, Youthline, and subject matter experts, is free to use and features three gamified modules resembling the 1980s arcade game Space Invaders. Each section includes games, videos, and realistic case studies intended to help younger users spot emotional manipulation and polarising content, reflect before reacting, respond safely to harmful behaviours, and recognise the value of intervening early on potentially harmful online material.

The modules are supplemented by resources for teachers and parents, supporting both classroom integration and discussions at home. According to Netsafe, the intent is to empower young people to deal with online challenges before these escalate into more serious problems.

Growing issues

Leanne Ross, Chief Customer Officer for Netsafe, described the pressures facing young people online. She noted that youth are regularly exposed to emotionally charged, polarising, or pressuring content such as viral misinformation, identity-based slurs or memes, and polarising narratives. She added that secretive groups promoting “us versus them” thinking and signs of extremist influence are increasingly encountered, particularly in social feeds shaped by algorithms, chat rooms and gaming environments.

“Many say they want help understanding what they’re seeing and how to respond safely. Headspace Invaders fills a gap between basic digital safety and more advanced intervention tools. It focuses on the moments where confusion, pressure, or manipulation starts to take hold, well before someone might become involved in serious harm,” said Ross.

This platform is one of the first of its kind in New Zealand to address online extremism, identity-based harm and misinformation from a perspective focused on prevention and education involving young people. Ross commented on concerns growing among schools, families, and frontline services regarding content that isolates, manipulates or shifts young people’s beliefs and behaviours. “It reflects growing concern from schools, whānau, and frontline services about online content that isolates, manipulates, or gradually shifts young people’s beliefs and behaviours. The platform is accompanied by teacher and parent guides, and grounded in prevention, not fear,” said Ross.

Youth input and evidence base

The co-design process involved 13 to 15-year-olds working alongside Netsafe’s Youth Action Squad and a dedicated Youth Co-Design Team. Youthline provided sector research and developed content to ensure the platform is inclusive, evidence-informed and prioritises youth wellbeing. Guidance from an academic steering group and sector specialists informed the development, particularly around prevention and the countering of violent extremism.

Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley, Honorary Research Associate at Te Kura Pukenga Tangata / College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University, was a member of the steering group. He endorsed the co-design approach, stating:

“All the evidence indicates that early interventions are the most effective – and none more so than when it comes to online safety and appropriate behaviour – and that co-design with young New Zealanders is critical if these interventions and guidelines are going to work,” said Spoonley.

Dr Philippa Smith, a digital media literacy and online harms specialist, contributed research-based advice. She said:

“The more we can strengthen young people’s media literacy skills, so they can critically assess what is credible versus what is false, manipulative or harmful, the more we equip them to participate safely and confidently in digital life. This resource empowers young people to navigate a minefield of negative online behaviours,” said Dr Smith.

Module content

The three modules focus on misinformation and disinformation, harmful online behaviour, and online extremism, each illustrating how these issues can develop subtly and the importance of recognising early warning signs. The platform’s approach is self-guided and interactive, making it suitable for both individual learning and facilitated sessions in group settings.

Collaboration for prevention

Explore, a national provider of Mental Health and Wellbeing Services and part of New Zealand Health Group, partnered with Netsafe as part of collaborative work under the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Fund. In tandem with the Headspace Invaders launch, Explore introduced a suite of eLearning modules aimed at frontline professionals, enabling early and safe engagement in situations with potential risk of radicalisation.

Amanda Bleckmann, NZ Health Group Director of Disability at Explore, explained the importance of cross-sector and cultural collaboration:

“This initiative is the result of a powerful and enduring collaboration across government agencies. We have worked closely with international experts, including the Violence Prevention Network, and with our workforce development partner MySkill. Most importantly, we’ve drawn on the wisdom of cultural and community leaders, because context and connection are key to making this work effective and safe,” she said.

Context in New Zealand

The launch of Headspace Invaders comes as government agencies highlight the need for early prevention in online safety. Recent assessments by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) warn that the risk of young people encountering violent extremist content online is increasing, often starting with emotionally charged posts or exclusionary messaging. The Department of Internal Affairs and New Zealand Police have also recorded growing instances of online behaviour with extremist or hate-based elements, especially in school and youth contexts, prompting a focus on early support and prevention networks rather than legal avenues alone.

Headspace Invaders is now available for use in classrooms and communities across New Zealand.