OGHS is proud to announce that we have joined the Netsafe Schools Programme and are now officially a Netsafe School.

Being a Netsafe School means that we have practices in place that show our commitment to planning for online safety, and that our practices are supported by New Zealand’s online safety organisation, Netsafe. Find out more about Netsafe Schools at

netsafe.org.nz/the-kit/netsafe-schools

Safer Internet Day is here: 

Safer Internet Day is celebrated globally each year on 5 February and promotes the safe and positive use of digital technology. Coordinated in New Zealand by Netsafe, Safer Internet Day is an opportunity for everyone to learn about way they can keep themselves safe online.   

Three actions to take this Safer Internet Day/ Week:

Start having conversations about online safety with the young people in your life:

Research shows that young people are more likely to be harmed by something online, so it’s important that you have conversations with them often and early about ways to stay safe online. It isn’t always easy to know where to begin, so working with Netsafe, we’ve put together a set of simple conversation starters which you can use to get started. These are included in the ‘Safer Internet Day conversation starters’ article.

Do an online profile check-up:

One of the simplest things you can do to keep yourself safe online is check in on your online profile privacy settings. If you’re using social media, make sure that you have your privacy settings tight, so that you’re only sharing information with your friends or connections.

Share something positive online:

Take some time out to share something positive online to celebrate Safer Internet Day this year. Netsafe has put together some ideas of positive things you can post to encourage positivity online. Check them out: netsafe.org.nz/SID19

Why should you care about Safer Internet Day?  

Netsafe’s research has found that 1 in 5 New Zealand teenagers, and 1 in 10 New Zealand adults were harmed by something that they experienced online last year.

The internet has changed the way we share ideas, buy and sell, learn new things and meet new people. We’re more connected than ever and this can bring new opportunities as well as challenges. Safer Internet Day is all about encouraging people to make the most of all the opportunities that digital technology creates by encouraging people to interact safely and positively. 

About Netsafe 

Netsafe is a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on online safety. They offer support, advice and education to everyone in New Zealand to help minimise online risks. Whether you’re dealing with online bullying, an online request that looks suspicious, or you just want advice for family members using the internet they can help.  

Follow Netsafe on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with Safer Internet Day 2019 and the latest in online safety news, advice, tips and information.