A Maori social media researcher wants to develop a resource to teach young people the importance of practising marae tikanga and customs while using social media.
Dee O'Carroll, of Nga Ruahinerangi descent, has recently submitted her PhD study from Massey University on the way Maori use social networking sites.
She says the study raised concerns about how rangatahi or young people engage with others on sites such a Facebook and Twitter.
She says some youngsters openly argued with others and didn't have strict privacy settings.
She likened the social media space to a marae, saying there would always be kaumatua on a marae to uphold customs like mana tangata, status, identity and respect.
Ms O'Carroll says there's a lack of kaumatua or elders online to guide rangatahi down the right path, and that needs to change.
She is seeking funds to develop a pilot resource for Kura Kaupapa and Wharekura which will help them understand the implications of social media and why etiquette is important in the online world.
