A well-attended information session had us all riveted to our seats as we heard some very confronting messaging about online behaviours that our children are likely facing in unfiltered online spaces.

The session started with some startling facts about inappropriate content / online predatory behaviour and how our children can be easily exposed to it through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram. Tik tok, Twitter and another site that Rob referred to as "the closest thing to accessing the dark web" for children- Discord. 

The takeaway messaging from the session was:

• Be vigilant about your children's online activities. 
• Unfiltered Internet access poses substantial risks, exposing children to explicit content, cyberbullying, and online predators. 
• The vast digital landscape, while informative, can harbour harmful and age-inappropriate material that may negatively impact their emotional and psychological well-being. 
• Without proper filtering, youngsters might stumble upon inappropriate content, influencing their perceptions and behaviour
• Like many other countries, New Zealand has seen an increase in cases of online predatory behavior targeting children
• Social Media Platforms: Predatory behavior often occurs on popular social media platforms and online gaming environments where children are active.

Some quotes from Rob

 "Children do not see how their words land". They do not see the impact of the words and so do not learn to modify messaging accordingly. 

"Our boundaries are their brakes"

"If you don't invade your child's privacy. I can guarantee an online predator will"

...We give them phones because we are worried about their safety out in the big bad world, yet the phones can be the very tool that predators use to get to your child...

"Devices, never in the bedroom and never in the bathroom"

The templates we grew up with have changed...relationships, sexuality,  peer acceptance, body image etc. This has led to a significant rise in anxiety, depression, mental health issues and inappropriate expectations around healthy relationships and sex.

Remember to use our School's informative Online Safety Site - the parent Section