Having a kete of skills and information to keep your children safe online is more important than ever.

Our children are spending more and more time interacting with each other via the internet and through the use of smartphones. The concept of digital citizenship is evolving, and is certainly something that as a community we need to continue to prioritise and build upon.

Like all schools across the country, our Waltham students are experiencing and navigating the many challenges that arise in the ever progressing digital world. With the school holidays upon us, having a kete of skills and information to keep your children safe online is more important than ever.

John Parsons - one of NZ's leading authority on cyber-safety for children is one of a growing number of really valuable resources that can be accessed. I have read John's book and heard him present to both tamariki and kaiako. John had a simplistic and effortless way of communicating our goal '...to empower our children to live in the online world safety and ethically' and the challenges to achieve this '...to ensure that positive aspects of the online world are maximised and negative aspects are minimised...'

I absolutely recommend getting your hands on a copy of John's book 'Keeping your children safe online'. It is a simple read, packed with practical advice and information, some of which I would like to share with you below.

• Family Values: the most important relationship a child has is the one with their family, not with technology. Teach your children to respect and protect family and friends, value self, and broadcast decency and positive values. When your child first creates online social networks, make sure their first friend requests are from you and other family members.

• Cyber-separation: this is when there is a disconnect that happens between a child and their whānau because the adults have little understanding of or involvement in their child's online world. Keep technology out of the bedroom! A lack of sleep reduces your child's ability to learn at school, and secretive use of digital technologies can be dangerous.

• Communication: Communicate with your children as much as possible, and do not overreact if you see something that alarms you. Share your concerns with your children in relation to their 'safety'.

• Access: Maintain access to your child's platforms, log-in's and devices. Make this a condition of them having the technology. Remember, it is you that paid for it in the first place!

• Make a plan: Agree on a time in the evening when everybody stops using technology within the home, and make this 'family time'. Respect your child's need to have quality time with you

• Roles: Have clear guidelines in place and consequences when rules are broken around the use of digital technologies. You are not their friend, you are their guardian.

• It starts early: Remember your child is introduced to technology the first time they see you use it. If you don't put your device down when they come to you to talk, they won't do the same for you.

• Monitor: Check the applications your child downloads, and if you don't recognise or understand it ask your children to show you. Check that these apps are in line with your family values. Occasionally check your child's browser history to see the websites and information they are accessing.

• Age and stage: Teach older members of your family not to expose younger members to games, apps, websites or content that is inappropriate for their age and level of maturity.

• Don't normalise secrecy: If your child shuts down the computer when you enter the room, leaves the room to talk on their phone, refuses to let you see messages or won't let you near their devices, take this as a serious warning sign.

• Online games: Pay close attention to the online games your children play. Are they age appropriate and who is gaining exposure and an ability to communicate with your children as a result of their involvement.

Another fantastic resource to support you in navigating the world of digital technology is NetSafe: https://netsafe.org.nz/

I encourage you all to explore the resources, guides and regular updates available through this website.