Last week our students, staff and parents attended presentations by John Parsons who is an internet safety and risk assessment consultant. He trains teachers, educates student, parents and caregivers about the risks associated with the inappropriate use of Digital Communication Technologies. reference www.s2e.co.nz

The students, staff and parents were very impressed with his presentations and the information he shared to help us keep children safe.   He stated that too many children use Digital Communication Technologies without a clear understanding of the dangers and that together parents and teachers need to teach children to protect themselves,  their friends on the Internet when using digital communication devices.  As we recognise the significant role the internet and related technologies like computers and cell phones play in our lives and the lives of our children it is important that systems are in place to protect children.

He stated that schools are the safest place with a high level of filtering, cyber safety programmes and Ministry of Education guidelines that all schools adhere to.  In his  presentation to staff and parents he shared one of his other roles  which is to profile private companies to see how embedded their values are. Values drive the level of internet usage in the home and school.  Schools that have values embedded are a 10 plus schools and he congratulated Oaklands School  on being   10 plus.    He has provided us with a programme for our students and families to work on together and this will be coming home next week for our Kauri students.  Parents of younger students are welcome to get a copy from the office.