'Terrible' internet role models

NetSafe operations manager Lee Chisholm shares information with Mosgiel teachers about cyber...
NetSafe operations manager Lee Chisholm shares information with Mosgiel teachers about cyber safety during a presentation at Taieri College. Photo by Craig Baxter.
Many adults are terrible role models for children when it comes to using the internet, an online technologies safety adviser says.

NetSafe operations manager Lee Chisholm, of Auckland, was in Mosgiel recently to promote cyber safety and champion digital citizenship by educating and supporting teachers and parents on the Taieri.

"A lot of adults are not being good role models for online use," she said.

"If you look at any website that encourages comment, often you will find vitriolic, abusive and racist comments which aren't providing a good example for young people."

It was not surprising online networks and texting had become a major vehicle for bullying among school pupils in New Zealand.

She said it was impossible to block young people's access to the internet because it was readily available on computers, laptops, Xbox, Playstation and mobile phones.

So NetSafe was taking a more holistic approach by visiting schools around the country to educate adults on the dangers and give them tools to guide the behaviour of young internet users, she said.

Ms Chisholm provided information on how to deal with cyberbullying, how to keep the family computer safe and secure, how to get up to speed with how young people are communicating, and what skills they need to be safer online.

"Children have the technology skills to operate the systems, but they don't have the wisdom to do it without harm. Whereas with parents, it's the other way around, in many cases.

"The adults in these pupils' lives are their guides to helping them develop good digital citizenship skills," she said.

Ms Chisholm will provide another seminar today at Taieri College for guidance counsellors and deans from Dunedin schools.

Steven Price, a Wellington lawyer specialising in media law, and Thomas Beagle, co-founder of a digital civil liberties group, will take part in a public discussion titled "Do we need a new law for cyber-bullies?" at 5.30pm today on the 10th floor of the Richardson Building, at the University of Otago.

- john.lewis@odt.co.nz

 

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