Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it is not uncommon for children to be avid users of various social media platforms. While social media can be a great way for children to connect with friends and family, share their thoughts and experiences, and explore their interests, it is important for parents to be aware of their child's safety when using these platforms.

Thank you to those parents who communicated concerns around the circulation of social media chats referring to a ‘planned fight’ between two local schools (not Rāroa) on Saturday. Please be assured that police and the schools involved are aware of these communications and have acted accordingly. 

This also serves as an important reminder to ensure you are aware of the social media groups that your children are engaging with, and to have open and honest conversations with them around their use of social media, and encourage them to report inappropriate behaviour.

The following are some tips for parents to ensure their child's safety on social media:

1. Talk to your child about the potential dangers of social media: It is important to have open and honest conversations with your child about the potential dangers of social media, including cyberbullying, identity theft, and online predators. Make sure your child understands that they should never share personal information online or meet anyone in person whom they have only met online.

2. Set privacy settings: Most social media platforms have privacy settings that allow users to control who can see their posts and information. Encourage your child to set their profiles to "private" so that only their approved friends and followers can see their posts and information.

3. Monitor your child's social media activity: Keep an eye on your child's social media activity and make sure they are using the platforms safely and appropriately. Check their profiles regularly to see what they are posting and who they are interacting with.

4. Teach your child to think before they post: Remind your child that once something is posted online, it is there forever. Encourage them to think before they post anything and to consider the potential consequences of their actions.

5. Encourage your child to report any inappropriate behavior: Make sure your child knows how to report any inappropriate behaviour, such as online harassment and other anti-social activities. Encourage them to come to you or another trusted adult if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe on social media.

6. Limit screen time: While social media can be a fun and engaging way for children to connect with others, it is important to limit their screen time and encourage them to engage in other activities, such as outdoor play, reading, or creative projects. It's also important to give the brain a break - excessive screen time, particularly in the evening or nighttime, can disrupt sleep patterns by suppressing the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up feeling rested.

Social media can be a great way for children to connect with others and explore their interests, but it is important for parents to be aware of their child's safety when using these platforms. By talking to your child about the potential dangers of social media, setting privacy settings, monitoring their activity, teaching them to think before they post, encouraging them to report inappropriate behaviour, and limiting their screen time, you can help ensure that your child stays safe and responsible online.