For the rest of the year, we will have a segment in the newsletter looking at being smart online and how as whānau, you can support it. Netsafe recommends seven steps to enhance digital parenting knowledge and reinforce the key online safety concepts.

These seven steps will guide you through what parents consistently say they want to know about. The seven steps are

1 UNDERSTAND

Read about the potential online risks, challenges and sometimes illegal behaviour young people face to understand what may happen.

2 LEARN

Ask your child what they do, who they talk to and how they use devices to learn about their activities. Check-in regularly to see what has changed.

3 EXPLORE

Take the time yourself to explore the sites, apps and

technologies your child uses to improve your knowledge and understand their experience.

4 AGREE

Create a Family Safe Online Treaty to agree on what your child can do including, sites to visit, appropriate behaviours, privacy settings and limitations.

5 TEACH

Recognizing each child has unique needs, but some online safety concepts are universal. Start by teaching yours the 5 tips to help your child thrive.

6 MODEL

Be a good example to your child. Make sure you role model the sort of behaviours you want to see your child use online and offline.

7 PLAN

Make a plan so everybody knows what to do if something goes wrong and where you will get advice and support in challenging times.

We will expand on one step in each newsletter over the next two terms.