Andrew Nimick - Technology consultant Andrew is an independent technology consultant whose focus is what technology can do for business and finding the best tools for the job.

Well it’s been a busy time. I have made my first appearance (that I know of) on national TV and this was really exciting as it was to represent a great programme that helps teach our youth about making good choices, staying safe and sex. Not how to do it, but what to think about before they do it and indeed if they should do it.

I know I usually talk about things of a technology nature on this blog, so here is the technology aspect of this post.
During the conversation we discussed media pressure on young people. Has it changed? Is there more sex on our media than say 30 years ago? I personally do not think there is more – just that it is far more blatant. Also there are forms of media and opportunities to engage with that did not exist 30 years ago. Some of this new media has meant that old censorship methods have been bypassed and eventually negated. The rush for producers to stand out has meant a push to be just that bit more blatant and risque. Not always a bad thing – if it helps the story. But more often it’s just to make a buck.
Modern media, and especially the new consumer generated verity, is like a genie which has escaped from the bottle. It’s incredibly hard to put back in and you have to be very careful with what you wish for.
Which means that we need to face the facts and see the world for how it is – not try to make wishes to change it. Change may come, but by hard work and by the creation of better content which relies on context and quality rather than gimmicks and cheap titillation.
Until then, the work by groups such as Family Education Network with the YrChoice programme (which is available in a lot of the Bay schools) are important to us as a society and deserving of our support our gratitude.

If you missed the show you can see it with these two links:
http://tvnz.co.nz/good-morning/goodmorning-s2010-e240210-parentpanel1-video-3380945
http://tvnz.co.nz/good-morning/goodmorning-s2010-e240210-parentpanel2-video-3380953

If you have some time and would like to volunteer or help support the work with a donation you can contact FeN via info@yrchoice.co.nz