Wondering where to begin with online safety? For Safer Internet Day, Netsafe put together a few online safety starter tips to help you have better online experiences.

Take a fresh look 

Lots of platforms and services have improved the tools used to manage privacy and safety settings in recent years. Take a fresh look at the tools and platforms you’re using and do an online profile check-up. 

Protect your patch 

Criminals want your information and money – and you really don’t want them to have it. Make sure you’ve got passcodes on pins and devices in case they are stolen. Use strong passwords. Consider using a password manager to help you vary them for every account. Use two factor authentication everywhere it’s offered. 

Check before you click 

Scammers are using digital marketing techniques to create scams that appear authentic and mimic well-known organisations and processes that people trust. Stop and think before clicking on links. 

Talk to your tamariki 

The most important thing a parent can do to help their child facing an online challenge is to get ahead of it. Having regular, non-judgemental conversations with your kids about what they’re doing online helps to reduce the damage if things do go wrong. Use Safer Internet Day as an opportunity to open up a conversation about their life online. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got some Online Safety Conversation Starters to help. 

See something, say something 

Communities are safest when we look out for each other. That’s equally true online. If you see something suspicious or upsetting online, you can report it (even anonymously) to Netsafe. 

For more online safety advice and information visit netsafe.org.nz or follow us on social media @NetsafeNZ. If you need help with something going wrong online, Netsafe has a free, confidential helpline service open seven days a week.