Tamariki and Rangatahi are well aware of the alarming things being screened online these days and they do want to be able tell adults without being blamed or having responsibility heaped on them! As adults, parents, whānau we need to make it possible for our tamariki and rangatahi to feel ok about coming to us when things occur and being as supportive as possible.
In the Marking Safer Internet Day, New Zealand’s very own Net safe released its Ngā Taiohi Matihiko o Aotearoa survey results which shared experiences of tamariki and rangatahi whilst online.
Around 2061 tamariki (9 to 17 years of age), who were interviewed by Net Safe, had seen harmful content and were also searching for such content themselves. This included violent images, self-harm materials and hateful content.
Our aim as adults and whānau should be to encourage our Tamariki and Rangatahi to feel comfortable to come to us when faced with these challenges. Remember its never too early or late to discuss the dangers that can lurk online, so be prepared for a candid korero. Monitor their internet use and get them to be open about what they are up to.
Do visit https://www.netsafe.org.nz/ for helpful information and tips.
Other useful links:
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2020/02/safer-internet-day-2020-google-and-netsafe-s-top-tips-for-keeping-kids-safe-online.html
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/409259/teenagers-accessing-self-harm-suicide-guides-netsafe
