Digital devices are an important part of young people’s lives and can be valuable tools for learning, communication and connection. However, online spaces can also expose students to interactions that may negatively affect their wellbeing.
We are seeing an increase in online bullying involving young people and encourage all whānau to take an active role in supporting their child’s online safety.
Our Online Safety Hub provides trusted digital safety advice and practical resources to help AC families navigate the online world and keep young people safe.
How can you help at home?
There are some simple steps parents and caregivers can take to help young people develop safe and responsible online habits:
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Set clear time limits for device use (for example, no personal device use after 6:00 pm).
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Use parental controls. Most devices offer settings that allow you to set daily screen time limits appropriate for your child and manage access to apps and content.
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Take an interest in their online world. Know which apps your child is using, who they are communicating with and what they are using those platforms for.
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Talk regularly about respectful online behaviour. Remind your child that the way we communicate online should reflect the same values of kindness, respect and responsibility that we expect face-to-face.
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Check age requirements. Many social media platforms have minimum age requirements. Make sure your child is using apps that are appropriate for their age and maturity.
Remember: things shared online may not disappear
Some apps are designed to make messages, photos and videos disappear after a short time. This can give young people a false sense of security, and they may be more likely to send unkind messages or share inappropriate images.
It is important for young people to understand that screenshots and other methods mean content can still be saved and shared, even if it appears to disappear.
Working together to keep our young people safe
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping young people develop healthy and responsible digital habits. Regular conversations, clear boundaries and an understanding of the platforms young people are using can make a real difference.
We encourage all whānau to explore our Online Safety Hub for further advice and practical resources.
By working together, we can help our young people make positive choices online and reduce the incidence of online bullying within our school community.
Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us create a safe, respectful and caring environment for all our students.
