The COVID-19 lockdown caused online harm to increase, a new survey by Netsafe shows.
Unwanted digital communications - such as encouraging people to hurt themselves, or sharing intimate images without permission - grew dramatically during this period.
For the survey, Netsafe asked 1150 participants their experiences of 'unwanted digital communication' in the last 12 months, just before, during, and after lockdown.
Out of those who reported experiencing unwanted digital communications in the past 12 months, 41 percent said it occurred during or after the lockdown period.
Those with long-term disabilities were more likely to suffer online harm - six out of 10 reported experiencing unwanted communications during lockdown.
Those most likely to suffer from the increased harm were males, people aged between 40 and 49, and New Zealand Europeans.
The largest numbers of online harm included encouraging people to hurt or kill themselves (65 percent), sharing intimate images or recordings without permission (65 percent) and sharing violent or sexual content considered indecent or obscene (55 percent).
Offensive comments about religious or political beliefs were also high, at 54 percent.
Netsafe chief executive Martin Cocker says with more people at home connected than ever before, it was inevitable there would be risks and challenges.
"Human beings aren't accustomed to being at home and inside for prolonged periods, and unfortunately, this combined to create a perfect storm for trouble online," Cocker says.
During lockdown, scam reports were up 74 percent, sextortion 35 percent, romance scams 69 percent and intimidation 45 percent, compared to the same time last year.
The supply and distribution of objectionable material were also high, up 66 percent during lockdown.
