The follow-up to Sean Lyons' evening presentation to parents, caregivers, and staff has begun, with year-level sessions now taking place in the Hostel.

Director of Boarding, Murray McKenzie, has taken the cohorts in Years 9–11 separately over the past three weeks through the topic of 'online bullying'—what to do if it happens to them, the New Zealand law that protects them, and making the right choices when using social media, particularly the difference between banter and bullying.

Content included:

• Understand how laws in Aotearoa protect us from bullying - Harmful Digital Communications Act.

• Implement strategies to respond to bullying when it happens.

• Learn what the platforms are doing to prevent bullying.

• Ask for help and support from trusted sources when they need it what online bullying looks like, what is the difference between banter and bullying is.

The frightening statistic from Netsafe NZ research is that 34% of all teenagers in New Zealand have experienced some form of online bullying. Our boys were forthcoming in sharing their experiences, generating some helpful discussion.

Resources:

https://education.netsafe.org.nz/resources/block-the-bullies - session the boys were taken through

https://netsafe.org.nz/bullying/cyberbullying - advice for parents, caregivers and teenagers, where to go for trusted help.

Contact Netsafe NZ:

Our helpline is open seven days a week for free, confidential assistance. We provide a non-judgemental service to help you navigate and resolve online bullying.

Email: help@netsafe.co.nz

Text: Netsafe to 4282

Live Chat support

Phone: 0508 638 723, 8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-5pm weekends