How To Keep Children Safe When Online & Watching Media

Key points to remember about how to keep children safe when online and watching media

• the media can have a powerful influence on your child's health and development
• this influence can be both beneficial and harmful
• it is important that children do not use computers, computer games and the internet to the exclusion of other developmentally appropriate tasks, including the need to be physically active
• provide guidance and set clear limits about your child's media use - as with other areas of your child's life

You might also be interested in checking advice about how to talk to your child about online pornography

NetSafe

NetSafe is an independent non-profit organisation that provides cybersafety and online security education for all New Zealanders. NetSafe's website has a variety of information on online safety and security issues. The website has information for children, parents, community groups, schools and counsellors. See:

• online bullying advice for parents
• 7 steps for whānau
• bring your own device
• social media advice for parents

Netsafe also provides information about the risks of taking and sharing intimate images. 'The Bare Facts' is a campaign developed by rangatahi, Netsafe and Classification Office Te Mana Whakaatu about the risks of taking and sharing intimate images. Find out more about this campaign.

Australian Council on Children and the Media

The Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) supports families, industry and decision-makers in building and maintaining a media environment that fosters the health, safety and wellbeing of Australian children. ACCM is committed to promoting better choices and providing stronger voices in children's media. The information ACCM provides is relevant to New Zealand families. See:

• web survival toolkit
• Kidzone movie reviews
• Kidzone computer games
• media use, sleep and school work
• parent guides

Classification Office Te Mana Whakaatu

The Classification Office Te Mana Whakaatu is responsible for the classification of all films, videos, publications, and some video games in New Zealand. The Classification Office Te Mana Whakaatu website has some useful information for parents on controlling content. See taking control: how to make the most of parental controls.