Keeping safer in cyberspace

More than half of Kiwi teens say they spend two hours or more a day on the internet and texting their friends¹.

A range of communications technologies are creating unprecedented opportunities for young people to learn, be entertained, interact with friends and family, and meet new people in cyberspace.

Telecom, NetSafe and the NZ Police are providing parents and caregivers with a resource that provides straightforward advice about how to keep their children safer in this environment.

The Keeping Kiwi Kids Safer in Cyberspace pamphlet outlines the risks that children and young people face, ranging from being bullied by text or e-mail to receiving unwanted materials on-line.

Kate Horler, who leads Telecom’s security initiatives for home internet users, says that while children are quick to pick up on the benefits of the internet, mobile phones and other devices they are often less aware of the risks.

“If parents aim to understand the internet they can help their children explore and enjoy cyberspace to its best potential while also being mindful of how to stay safe.”

Straightforward tips range from keeping the computer children use in the family living area, with the screen in full view, to links to sites for tips on safe surfing and for free security software.

NetSafe says internet and mobile phone communication are a normal part of life for young people. If young people think their technology will be removed if they report a bad experience they are unlikely to confide in an adult, and instead try to manage the situation themselves.

“If adults want to help, they need to tell young people that if there is a problem they will help sort it out, and not take away their social access,” says NetSafe operations manager Lee Chisholm.

Superintendent Bill Harrison, national manager youth services for NZ Police says information and advice is included in the work programme that Police education officers deliver to schools, where it sits well with Police’s bullying prevention programme Kia Kaha.

“As Police we want to see all public spaces are safe places for children. The internet is the largest public space our kids visit and they need guidance and information to navigate it safely.”

Parents, caregivers and schools can get copies of Keeping Kiwi Kids Safer in Cyberspace by going to www.telecom.co.nz/safesurfing or by calling 0508 NETSAFE.

Schools can get bulk supplies of the pamphlet through their Police education officer.

 A few statistics about children and the internet:

• Almost 20 per cent of young people have been sent a nasty or threatening message by mobile or the internet.¹

• Girls are almost 10 per cent more likely to receive nasty or threatening messages than boys, at 24 per cent compared with 15 per cent.¹

• At a maximum, 25 per cent of parents of children under 18 control/monitor their children’s internet activity.²

• 12 per cent of people have pretended to be someone else on-line.²

• 74 per cent of people have accidentally downloaded a virus.²

• Eight per cent of people have been victims of cyber bullying.²

¹    Youth’07 The Health and Wellbeing of Secondary School Students in New Zealand (December 08) conducted by the University of Auckland Faculty of Media and Health Sciences. The survey was conducted in 96 secondary schools throughout NZ and collected information from more than 9000 students.

²     2009 Telecom Netguide Broadband Survey. The survey asked a series of questions about how NZers use the Internet and was completed by approximately 1,600 people.