Computers and the internet

Key messages about computers and the internet

Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for educational use only. Please consult your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

Key messages about computers and the internet

the media, including the internet, can exert a powerful influence on your child�s health and development
this influence can be both beneficial and harmful
the internet can provide children and young people with exciting opportunities, but
there are no controls on the information that is available via the internet, so there are many things online that are not suitable for children or that are cause for concern
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
as with other areas of children�s lives, parents have a responsibility to provide guidance and to set clear limits

What about internet safety?

NetSafe, the website of ISG (the Internet Safety Group of New Zealand) has information for parents, kids, young adults, schools and early childhood centres.

The parents' and caregivers' section of the Netsafe website provides information such as the following, by clicking on the links on the left of the Netsafe page:

social behaviour in cyberspace, including bullying
helping children and young people exposed to upsetting content online
monitoring and filtering at home
'safe searching' tools
helping your child to be safer on social networking sites (like Bebo and MySpace)
suggestions about what to do if you think someone is trying to 'groom' your child online (grooming is when a person tries to 'set up' and 'prepare' another person to be the victim of sexual abuse)
chain-letters via email or text
a pamphlet which you can download (at right) - Keeping Kiwi kids safer in cyberspace: A pamphlet for parents and caregivers

Netsafe's section for kids includes:

a card of safety rules (at right) for kids to keep in mind when using the internet or a mobile phone. Kids can print off the card and keep it by the computer as a reminder.

The card reminds kids that:

When I'm on the internet or a mobile phone I STOP and ...

THINK:
� about what I'm seeing, hearing and doing
� about how it makes me feel
� about what I'm being asked to do

ASK:
� is this weird or creepy?
� am I being sucked in?
� could this hurt me or someone else?

REMEMBER:
� some people lie about who they are
� things I send on the internet are there forever
� if I'm worried, I can talk with an adult I trust

There is a lot of information in the young people section of the Netsafe website. It is written for ten to 14-year-olds and you may find interesting information to share with your children.

Where to go for more information

ISG (Internet Safety Group): NetSafe

NetSafe, the programme of New Zealand's ISG, is cybersafety education for all New Zealanders - children, parents, schools, community organisations and businesses. The ISG has been designated the Ministry of Education's 'agent of choice' for cybersafety education in New Zealand. This is an independent non-profit organisation whose members represent a range of organisations including the New Zealand Police and the Ministry of Education.

You can contact NetSafe between 8am and 6pm.

Phone: 64 9 362 0971 or 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723)

Fax: 64 9 362 0972

Postal address: PO Box 9386, Newmarket, Auckland 1149

Street address: Level 3, 130 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland

Email: queries@netsafe.org.nz

Website: http://www.netsafe.org.nz/

YMA (Young Media Australia)

YMA is an Australian national community organisation whose members share a commitment to the promotion of the healthy development of Australian children. Their particular interest and expertise is in the role that media experiences play in that development. Although YMA writes from an Australian perspective, their website contains a wealth of information relevant to the New Zealand context, such as:

A section on computers and the internet:

what is the internet?
the internet � benefits, dangers and strategies
how much time should my child spend on the internet?
what are the risks involved with my child using the internet?
internet filtering software � what it is and how to use it
should my child have internet access in his or her bedroom?
tips for safe internet use
readings & research (computers and the internet)

A section on computers and video games:

overview of computer and video games
violence in computer and video games
strategies for parents around computer and video games
violent video games and other media violence: Craig Anderson answers FAQs
choosing good computer and video games
computer games: true or false
readings and research (computer and video games)

Physical risks associated with use of the media

Website: http://www.youngmedia.org.au/

Your notes

Endorsement

This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 01/09/2008

Copyright

Fact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation.
© The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2012

The Paediatric Society of New Zealand
http://www.paediatrics.org.nz

Starship Foundation
http://www.starship.org.nz