Our digital citizenship parent evening was very informative.
This evening was run by Netsafe. Netsafe is New Zealand’s independent, non-profit online safety organisation. Taking a technology-positive approach to the challenges digital technology presents, they work to help people in New Zealand take advantage of the opportunities available through technology by providing practical tools, support, and advice for managing online challenges.
Some Key Take Aways from the presentation:
- ALL social media platforms, such as Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook etc. have an age restriction of 13+ years.
- It’s all about the behaviour not the fact that they are online. Your family values for the ‘real’ world should apply in the online world as well. Be kind.
- Talk to your child. Keep connected to what they are doing online.
- Be proactive. Build the skills, attitudes and resilience. Have a plan for when things don’t go as planned.
- Privacy – ensure that your young person knows how to set a password and knows not to share personal information or images.
- New Zealand has The Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015. The key principles of this act are as follows
Parents you are:
- your young person’s safe place and role model.
- able to set boundaries.
- able to use the Netsafe website and 24/7 support (text 4282).
- you are in charge!
Useful Links: (These links are also on our school website)
Netsafe - Online Safety for New Zealand
https://www.netsafe.org.nz/advice/parenting/
Netsafe is New Zealand’s independent, non-profit online safety organisation. Their parenting
portal comes with a wealth of information about your young persons online life and how you can
support them.
Parenting Place
https://www.theparentingplace.com/articles/
Parenting place is a fantastic organisation who equip and encourage parents to grow great family
relationships. Their website has links to a number of courses and also articles on issues that
children face from infancy to adolescence.
Common Ground
http://www.commonground.org.nz/about/about-common-ground/
Common Ground is a website for parents, whānau and friends – to recognise and understand
the difficult situations that young people go through in their lives.
Parent Help
https://www.parenthelp.org.nz/
The Parent Helpline provides help to all parents no matter how big the issue. They offer their
time, experience and knowledge to supporting families throughout New Zealand.
Youthline
https://www.youthline.co.nz/parents-and-wh257nau.html
Youthline services are available for parents and family members supporting young people. If you
cannot find what you are looking for on their website they are more than happy to point you in the
right direction.
