- DIGITAL SAFETY
- ABOUT THE DIGITAL SAFETY GROUP
- REPORT HARMFUL ONLINE CONTENT
- CLASSIFICATION IN NEW ZEALAND
- LEGISLATION
- OBJECTIONABLE & RESTRICTED MATERIAL
- ONLINE SAFETY
- For support and help line services
- Online digital child exploitation
- Child safety online
- Voluntary Principles to Counter Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
- Social media platforms
- Code of Practice for organisations
- Review internet activity
- How to keep your family safe online
- Glossary of internet jargon
- Youth and porn resources
- Other Useful links
- INTERNET & WEBSITE FILTER
- NEWS & RESOURCES
- RESEARCH
- CONTACT US
Social Media Platforms
Social Media provides children with a great opportunity to stay connected to their family and friends however there can be some risks. The below factsheets will provide you with more information on how to safety navigate some of the social platforms and apps your child may be using.
- Staying safe on social media
- Staying safe on smart devices
- Tik Tok
- YouTube
- YouTube Kids
- Snapchat
- Roblox
- Understand what your children are using — search online or on the app. Check the age requirements, for example, most social media sites are for children over 13.
- Set up rules — agree with your child when and how to use the apps. For example, they give their devices to you overnight, agree that you approve any apps.
- Teach your child about sharing information responsibly — For example, don't share personal details, such as a home address, phone number and school. Use privacy settings to prevent a stranger from contacting your child.
- Make sure your child understands what can happen — For example, their posts can be shared or transformed to bully them.
Visit Netsafe for more information on:
- Bullying and abuse
- How to create an online safety plan
- How to use privacy settings on social networks
- Social media advice for parents
- Understanding a digital footprint
Netsafe also has information about platforms, risks and how to change settings, including:
- TikTok
- Snapchat
- Messenger Kids – a platform for kids under 12
TikTok - Tips on how to stay safe
Tips on how to stay safe using TikTok (PDF, 198KB)
YouTube - Protecting yourself
Protecting yourself on YouTube (PDF, 304KB)
YouTube Kids - Protecting your child
How to keep your child safe on YouTube Kids (PDF, 413KB)
Instagram – Tips on how to stay safe & keep your child safe
Tips on how to stay safe & keep your child safe on Instagram (PDF, 238KB)
Snapchat – Tips on how to stay safe & keep your child safe
Tips on how to stay safe & keep your child safe on Snapchat (PDF, 202KB)
Roblox – Protecting your child
How to keep your child safe on Roblox (PDF, 390KB)
