Social Media for Visas – Imagine this.
You’re a person just like most, with dreams, aspirations and desires for the best life that you can build for yourself.
Imagine you have spent months, or even years preparing the best argument for the people in charge, proving you deserve to live in a place that might have more opportunity than where you came from.
Imagine you may even be doing this because where you are right now isn’t a safe place, not for you or your loved ones. Or maybe you just want to visit and work for a while, exploring the world just as countless others have before you.
All of these are understandable thoughts and wishes. It’s natural for human beings to want the best life possible for themselves and the people close to them. A lot of us, at some stage in our lives, have had to fight tooth and nail to secure our futures.
So what happens when all of this hinges on your social media history?
Social Media for Visas. In order to apply for a visa in the United States of America, applicants must now submit 5 years of their social media history, among other things such as phone numbers and email addresses.
Social Media for Visas. What does this mean for me?
For young Kiwis, technology has become an incredibly significant aspect of life.
At school, the Internet can be used to achieve depths of research and access to resources that would previously have been unheard of. At home, most of our friends interact with each other through a phone or computer screen. We view a colossal amount of our entertainment through apps ranging from TV, such as Netflix, to social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and many more. Most importantly, it is through these social media apps that the majority of our exposure to and communication with the outside world takes place.
With technology having such great involvement in our lives, it is hard to know when to draw a line between what goes out on to social media and what stays private. It cannot be emphasized enough that once you put something up on the Internet, that is where it stays.
What would you do if Jacinda Ardern asked you right now for the last 5 years of your social media history?
What if she told you that if she found anything that could be perceived as threatening, that you would not be allowed to live in New Zealand?
Would you still be here tomorrow?
In light of this new development in US’ immigration, we encourage you to consider the consequences of sharing personal content online.
From employers to now some authoritative figures, what you put online is accessible to essentially anyone that knows how to look.
And in a world that unfortunately features those who would use what you upload against you, it is important to think twice before sharing the wrong things.
Make sure that the image you project onto the digital world is one you’re proud to share.
I’m Enough is a charity created to provide digital coping strategies to young people and those that care about them. If you would like to provide us with your valuable insight or feedback on this news item please connect with the I’m Enough Charity Team.
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Everyone knows someone in need, whether it's a family member, a school or work friend, an associate or someone that you meet as you are going about daily life. Perhaps you do not know where to find help. MyRivr uses your location details to be able to provide you with the exact service providers close to you should you need support or need a nearby agency.
About MyRivr
As an ex-cop and gang member, Akerei (Rei) Maresala-Thomson has spent time witnessing the struggles and challenges of the New Zealand community
After 12 years serving with the NZ Police, Rei resigned from his role as Senior Sergeant in Charge of the Pacific, Ethnic and Asian portfolio for Counties Manukau in March, 2017.
He has made it his mission to continue confronting issues, and trying to improve Pacific wellbeing in NZ – but this time he is using technology.
Rei is now the Technical Advisor for free app MYRIVR, a self-funded and volunteer managed concept from the community which was developed and released in 2015 by Corefusion Limited as MASA (Multi-Agency Services Application) to assist in a successful trial with Counties Manukau Police.
MYRIVR is now NZ’s largest in-app directory of community services, enabling visibility and instant access to more than 20,000 helpers and over 7,000 health and social services around the country.
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Phone: 522 2999 (within Auckland)
Phone: 0800 543 354 (outside Auckland)
Information for parents on creating a safe online learning and social environment for your children at home.
Information and advice about cyberbullying for young people, parents and teachers.
Kia Kaha is a school-based programme that aims to help schools create environments where all members of the community feel safe, respected and valued, and where bullying cannot flourish.
Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions).
This includes includes The Journal online help service.
An online e-therapy tool provided by the University of Auckland that helps young people learn skills to deal with feeling down, depressed or stressed.
Provides confidential telephone support.
Helplines for children and young people
What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds).
Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, midday–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm.
Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.
Depression Helpline (8am to midnight) Phone: 0800 111 757
Samaritans Phone: 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline Phone: 0508 828 865
0508MUSICHELP – The Wellbeing Service is a 24/7 online, on the phone and in-person counselling service fully funded by the NZ Music Foundation and provided free of charge to those in the Kiwi music community who can't access the help they need due to hardship and other circumstances. Call 0508 MUSICHELP.
Vagus Line – 0800 56 76 666 (Mon, Wed, Fri 12 noon – 2pm).
Promote family harmony among Chinese, enhance parenting skills, decrease conflict among family members (couple, parent-child, in-laws) and stop family violence
Women's Refuge Crisisline – 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE) (for women living with violence, or in fear, in their relationship or family)
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Free peer support services for people experiencing mental illness or those supporting them
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Free peer support services for people experiencing mental illness or those supporting them
Auckland Central 0508 927 654 or 0508 WARMLINE (8pm to midnight, seven nights)
Depression and anxiety affects us all differently.
Free 24/7 Helpline: 0800 111 757 Text 4202
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds).
Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, midday–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.
thelowdown.co.nz – Phone: 0800 111 757 or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
Supporting Families in Mental Illness - 0800 732 825.
We all face challenges to our mental health at various times in our lives. The way we’re feeling can change how we think and how we deal with tough times.
There’s a range of resources and services available to help including phone and online services and information, as well as face-to-face support.
Most services are free and provide information and confidential advice from trained professionals. There's also information for family, whānau, or friends if they need advice and support.
If you’re told that there is a waiting time for a service, please still reach out and make contact. Other supports can be put in place – ask what you can try in the meantime.
Helplines for children and young people
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to talk to a trained counsellor.
To talk to a trained counsellor 24/7 call the Depression helpline – 0800 111 757.
To get help from a registered nurse 24/7 call Healthline – 0800 611 116.
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
What's Up – 0800 942 8787, (for 5–18-year-olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, 1 pm–10 pm and on weekends, 3 pm–10 pm. Online chat is available from 7 pm–10 pm daily.