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.

Step Two: Learn About Your Child’s Activities

The easiest way to find out about their activities is to ask.

It’s important you understand your child’s activities and experiences or the ones they want to explore. Talk to them about what they do, how they use devices and who they’re talking to.

Take the time to tune in to the conversation – what might seem like a game to you might be the way your child is connecting and interacting with people they don’t know.

Research shows parents are critical to the success of young people becoming safe, confident and capable in their use of digital technology. Regular proactive conversations at home help to minimise the damage if things do go wrong online.

Asking your child about the advice they would give to a friend facing an online challenge can make it easier for them to discuss theirs. It also helps you understand what they know, what they do and how they behave.

Showing an interest makes it easier to have more difficult conversations if a challenge arises later on.

For further information visit netsafe.org.nz/learn .