Talk to your children
The internet is a great place to connect with family and friends, learn, play games and watch videos and TV programmes. But it can also have downsides for our tamariki, rangatahi and young people. They may be exposed to pornography and other inappropriate content, bullied and ‘groomed’ by sexual predators without even realising it.
The Inter-Yeti
‘The Inter-Yeti’(external link) is a digital storybook which has been created as a safe, positive and fun space for children to learn about staying safe online. It covers topics such as online bullying, upsetting & inappropriate content, online grooming, and sharing of private or personal information. It is suitable for children aged 5-11.
As a parent, caregiver or teacher, you can play an important role in keeping your child or students safe by simply talking about these issues. Reading ‘The Inter-Yeti’ together is a great way to start the conversation.
Netsafe has more information about how to talk to your children:
(external link)
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection have developed the "Big Feelings Come and Go Storybook":
- This storybook teaches kids about freeze, flight and fight and helps you to have conversations about how your child feels and what to do to help them manage their big feelings: Big Feelings Come and Go(external link)
Understand online challenges
You can better support children and tamariki when you understand the challenges they face online.
Netsafe has more information:
Understanding young people's online challenges(external link)
Your child's first device
Netsafe and 2degrees have developed "Good Tings” - the First Phones programme! This is an interactive learning module that kids can complete at school or at home and helps equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely explore the digital world on their first phones.
Manage screen time
Think about the age and stage of your children and understand how they use the internet.
Are they using it to:
- Learn
- Communicate and create friendships; or
- Create music or videos?
This will help you decide how much time you’d like your children to spend online.
Netsafe has more information: Screentime advice for parents(external link)