Last week all our tamariki heard some important online safety messages from John Parsons, and industry expert and international speaker.

Some of the key messages that were shared at the parent session included:

• Tell your children how much you love them.
• Show interest in our children's online activities (much like we do by watching their sports games)
• Keep technology out of the bedroom and in a communal space in the house.
• Age restrictions are there for a reason, children have a right to be children and not be exposed to things/worries at a younger age.
• Guard children's sleep patterns.

Our tamariki shared some very insightful reflections and we have included a couple of typical responses below:

I went home and talked with Mum and Dad about what happened at the talk. I told them that I need to be careful what I post on the internet and not to trust friends of friends.

When I get a phone now I know to not send any bad texts and to not take photos in my room or in the bathroom and not to be in my pajamas.

I really thought about me and my phone. My dad was asking me what I had on it, and I was keeping it a secret and now I know to share the information with my parents.

Some resources that John is sharing with us include:

SEXTORTION

LEAVING PRIMARY SCHOOL

TRUSTING GUT FEELING

TEENAGERS AND FUTURE PROOFING FOR EMPLOYMENT

Live Streaming: Understand the risks for children

BEDROOM, BATHROOM, PAJAMAS

HOW TO DEAL WITH ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

CHILDREN & ONLINE GAMES - A NOSY PARENT IS A LOVING PARENT

CIRCLE OF LIGHTHOUSES

FAMILIES THAT EAT TOGETHER HEAL TOGETHER

Books by John Parsons: www.citizen21.co.nz/books