ONE YOUNG MIND: A LOCAL PODCAST SHAPING NATIONAL CONVERSATION
What began as conversations between local parents has evolved into an influential podcast that’s now considered essential listening by families, educators, and policymakers concerned about the impact of social media on children and young people.
Words Julie Clothier
One Young Mind explores the many facets of online harm and adolescent wellbeing. The premise was straightforward: bring to the surface the kinds of conversations parents and educators were having quietly but which weren’t occurring publicly.
Produced by Flicka Williams and hosted by Matilda Green, who both live locally, alongside co-host paediatrician Dr Maneesh Deva, the series has quickly gathered attention. The team has created 10 episodes.
The podcast features clinical experts, school leaders and young people themselves. In one episode, Meta whistleblower Arturo Béjar describes content that went viral from a teenage account and urges adults to understand what young people are actually exposed to.
In another, 17-year-olds Arden Morunga and Olivia Lakeman speak candidly about the pressure to self-harm or restrict eating to align with social media trends. Local dietitian Rachael Wilson discusses eating disorders appearing in children as young as ten, and Whangaparāoa College principal Steve McCracken talks about the effect social media is having on learning and pastoral care in schools.
A standout episode features Professor Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, whose research has shaped global thinking and informed age-restriction legislation in Australia. Hearing his insights directly, in conversation with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, marks a defining moment for the series.
“These aren’t theoretical concerns,” says Flicka. “They’re happening in classrooms and bedrooms in our community. If we don’t talk about it, we normalise it.”
One Young Mind forms part of the wider work of B416, which recently presented a petition with 44,416 signatures to Parliament calling for social media to be restricted to over-16s.
“This isn’t about banning technology,” says Matilda. “It’s about giving children time to grow before stepping into online spaces that even some adults struggle to navigate.”
“The podcast began as a way to support one young mind at a time,” reflects Flicka. “It’s now part of something much bigger, but the heart of it remains the same – one child, one conversation, one chance to do better.”
Listen to One Young Mind on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.