The "middle years" of 11 to 15 year-olds can be a bit of a muddle, when children are stepping away from the influence of their parents and into that of their peers - and social media influencers. Kathryn Gray is head of Middle School at St Margaret's College in Christchurch and recently received an honours award from Independent Schools NZ for her work in Middle School Education. She joins Kathryn to talk about the unique social, emotional and academic needs children - particularly girls - need at this time. And what parents can do to let their child explore new interests and influences, while still respecting and preserving their privacy.

The "middle years" of 11 to 15 year-olds can be a bit of a muddle, when children are stepping away from the influence of their parents and into that of their peers - and social media influencers.

Kathryn Gray is head of Middle School at St Margaret's College in Christchurch and recently received an honours award from Independent Schools NZ for her work in Middle School Education.

She joins Kathryn to talk about the unique social, emotional and academic needs children - particularly girls - need at this time.

And what parents can do to let their child explore new interests and influences, while still respecting and preserving their privacy.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details