Each week we will release a NetSafe article that may be helpful to ensure your child is safe on the internet

2: LEARN ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S ONLINE ACTIVITIES

It’s important you understand more about the online activities and experiences your child has or wants to explore. Talk to them about what they do online, how they use devices and who they’re talking to. Ask them questions about:

• Why they like certain apps or sites?

• Who is in their network?

• What information they share?

• What they are enjoying?

• Are they making music or videos?

• What they are playing?

Take the time to tune into the conversation – what might seem like just a game to you might be the way your child is connecting and interacting with people they don’t know.

Research shows that parents are critical to the success of young people becoming safe, confident and capable in their use of digital technology. Regular proactive conversations at home helps to minimise the damage if things do go wrong online.

Asking your child about the advice they would give to a friend facing an online challenge can make it easier for them to discuss. It also helps you understand what they know, what they do and how they behave.

Showing an interest makes it easier to have more difficult conversations if a challenge arises.

CONTACT NETSAFE

If you need help or advice, about any online issue you can contact Netsafe.

Call tollfree on 0508 638 723 – Email help@netsafe.org.nz – Report at netsafe.org.nz/report