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.
Netsafe have developed the Online safety parent toolkit which helps parents and whānau talk more effectively about online safety:
Other resources on how to talk to your children about online safety:
- Netsafe - How to create an online safety plan(external link)
- Safer Internet - Have a conversation(external link)
Tools for parents
The Inter-Yeti
‘The Inter-Yeti’ 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.
Hector's World
Hector’s World is a New Zealand made animated educational series by Netsafe that is designed to inspire online safety conversations with primary-aged children both at home and in school.
- Netsafe - Hector’s World(external link)
This episode introduces tamariki to Hector and his friends and creates a safe space for exploring online safety topics and online experiences.
Big Feelings Come and Go Storybook
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection have developed the " Big Feelings Come and Go Storybook” which 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:
- The Canadian Centre for Child Protection - Big Feelings Come and Go(external link)