Earlier this term, our Year 9 students attended a presentation by Attitude, who taught our students about online friendships, safety, and citizenship.

The main theme of the technology presentation was a strengths-based approach to using technology well: "How to be a positive user of technology."

The boys discussed:

• The importance of quality connections over quantity.
• Digital footprint and thinking before you post.
• Bullying and trolling – how to recognise it and how to respond safely.
• Integrity of character online.

This workshop reiterated the great work and conversations that students have and continue to have in Mana Tāne with their peers and kaiako. During Mana Tāne students have covered the pros and cons of social media, keeping themselves and others safe online, fanning the flames, and support and strategies. Mana Tāne is the perfect place for these conversations to take place as it is a safe space where groups are small and well connected to each other.

Our aim is to help our students reflect on how technology influences their lives, to encourage them to become positive cyber citizens, and to seek a healthy balance between the online and offline worlds.

We look forward to welcoming Attitude back to support and build on some of the great work that is taking place at the College.

Attitude has been delivering engaging, informative, inclusive and inspiring presentations in New Zealand schools for more than 25 years. Attitude has worked with over 500 schools and, since COVID, has engaged with more than 175,000 students each year.