Research commissioned by InternetNZ shows that 92% of New Zealanders are concerned about children accessing inappropriate content online and potential bullying. Although this is a top concern the overwhelming majority of those surveyed (9/10) felt that the benefits of using the internet outweighed the risk.
With the rising prevalence of social media, and a requirement to use the internet for learning at school, children today are growing up with an unparalleled level of access to data. However, with so much adult content saturating the internet, even infiltrating mainstream sites like Pinterest or Instagram, protecting our children from inappropriate content can feel like an impossible task.
InternetNZ outreach and engagement director Andrew Cushen says the survey is a reminder for families to talk with each other about the different types of content found online, and to talk about what to do if they come across any upsetting content. "We need to ensure that people of all ages feel safe on the Internet," he says.
Family Filter is a parental control tool internet providers offer to block unwanted content, such as pornographic, offensive and malicious websites from being displayed to children. ISPs use intelligent firewalls to keep your kids safe from the not so great corners of the web. Learn more about family filters here
These top broadband providers provide ISP family filter services, along with high-speed fibre broadband plans with unlimited data.
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Stuff Fibre’s SafeZone helps filter out adult content, social media or anything undesirable should you need to. It is simple to use, with nothing to install, you can turn filters on and off from anywhere and it protects every device connected to your home network.
Orcon’s Family Filter is a non-intrusive first line of defence against R16+ sites; dating, drugs, gambling; alcohol and tobacco sites; known hacked or infected sites; sites about hacking and illegal activity; and suicide or self-harm site. It is usually included free in the first 12 months for new broadband customers, then for $5 per month.
Slingshot’s Family Filter protects your family against 16+ sites, pornography, and nudity; known hacked or infected websites; dating, drugs, gambling, alcohol, tobacco sites; websites about hacking, dark web, and other illegal activity; and suicide and self-harm sites. It is usually included free in the first 12 months for new broadband customers, then for $5 per month.
Megatel’s premium mesh Wifi extender features robust parental controls to block inappropriate content and restrict time spent online. The Wifi extender is perfect for a large family. It provides a fast and seamless connection so you can work and play from anywhere within your home. You no longer have to experience weak signals and dead zones as the signal can reach from the basement to the rooftop.
Talk to your children about the types of behaviours you’d like them to adopt online. For example, which apps and social media sites they use, how long they spend online, and the types of content you feel is appropriate. This is likely to be an ongoing and evolving conversation as online behaviour is likely to depend on the age of your child and what you feel comfortable with.
Showing an interest in the things your children do online is a key first step as it helps build your understanding of their online world, and creates a relationship where it will be easier to have more difficult conversations about it in the future.
Talk to your children about what they are using the internet for. Are they using the internet for learning? To create videos or music? To create friendships and communicate? Who’s in their network? What information are they sharing? What types of games are they playing?
If you don’t understand a game, app or network your child is using online try it yourself. Putting yourself in their shoes is the best way to get an understanding of the challenges young people face online. Take the time to explore website and apps and read the terms and conditions. You could even ask your child to show you how it works as a way to start a conversation around online safety.
Take a look at the example you are seeing for your children when it comes to device use and online behaviour. How often do you use your smartphone or laptop at the dinner table or during family activities? Do you ask permission before you publish family photos on social media? Do you need to brush up your knowledge around online safety, privacy or online shopping
