IT

Head of IT

As a parent myself, I understand what a concern it can be when our children spend a lot of time online. The internet can be a blessing and also a curse. That is why I am a huge fan of the work being done by Netsafe, New Zealand’s independent, non-profit online safety organisation. Netsafe has been helping Kiwis stay safe online since 1998.

On their website, www.netsafe.org.nz, you will find a wealth of information designed to help parents and whanau talk to their young people about online safety.

One particular resource that is worth looking at is Netsafe’s Online Safety Parent Toolkit. It includes 7 steps that have been designed with parents in mind.

1. Understanding the online challenges that young people face. These might include online bullying, unwanted contact from people they don’t know, using social media, sexting and dealing with upsetting content 2. Learning how young people are using their devices, what apps and sites they like and why, what information they are sharing

3. Exploring the apps, websites and technologies that young people are using, and knowing the age limits and privacy policies of these.

4. Agreeing on what your child can do online and what is appropriate behaviour. Also talking about where young people can go for help and advice

5. Teaching your child how to use the tools available within these apps, such as privacy settings. Most social media organisations have a safety centre that can help with this.

6. Being a role model for your family in the way that you use technology.

7. Making a plan together so that your child knows what to do, where to go and who to talk to when they are facing online challenges.

Check out the toolkit at https://www.netsafe.org.nz/ online-safety-parent-toolkit/

For free online safety advice and help you can contact Netsafe in the following ways:

• Call toll-free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723) • Email help@netsafe.org.nz • Complete an online contact form (http://netsafe.org.nz/report/ • Text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282

Mrs Ros Lee, Head of IT