Through their eyes. The youth voice with Arden Morunga and Olivia Lakeman

This podcast is brought to you by the B416 team.

Content Warning: This episode discusses topics including suicide, mental health, eating disorders, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help — you are not alone

In this episode of One Young Mind, we dive into the experiences of young people navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media. Arden Morunga and Olivia Lakeman, both 17, share their personal stories, exploring the pressures to fit in, the emotional and mental toll of online life, and the blurred lines between genuine connection and exploitation.

From Snapchat streaks and TikTok algorithms to harmful trends around self-harm, eating disorders, and misogyny, Arden and Olivia provide an unfiltered look at how social media shapes youth culture, relationships, and identity. They also discuss the challenges for minority groups, the addictive nature of platforms, and the importance of positive community both online and offline.

This is an important, eye-opening conversation about the very real risks of social media, and the changes we can all make to support one young mind at a time.

New Zealand Helplines:

• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: [phone]
• What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)
• Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
• Aoake te Rā – Free, brief therapeutic support service for those bereaved by suicide. Call 0800 000 053.
• Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737
• The Lowdown: Free text 5626 or visit thelowdown.co.nz
• EDANZ (Eating Disorders Association NZ): Visit ed.org.nz for resources and support
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111

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