We continually re-iterate to whānau and parents the importance of keeping all students safe online while they continue to learn from home.

As part of an overall online safety plan, Network for Learning’s (N4L) Switch on Safety Service is available to support online learning on devices used to undertake schoolwork.

The Service supports all learners across primary, intermediate and secondary education to learn in a safe online environment, regardless of their location or the network they are connected to. The web filter blocks websites that could be harmful to children.

In only seven days (from 14 March) 6,500 parents have applied the filter settings to their children's device. In this time, the filter has blocked 244,000 attempts to access inappropriate content and blocked 74,000 threats.

These numbers further stress the importance of the Service.

Action: Please continue to read the information on the Learning from home website. Instructions for the specific device a child uses can be accessed directly at switchonsafety.co.nz.

Safety can’t be provided by technology alone – it requires a holistic approach. 

For tips and advice to support online safety conversations, please direct them to information at www.netsafe.org.nz.