KEY INFORMATION: CYBERSAFETYAs a school community, we are proud of the positive way our students connect, collaborate, and support one another both at school and beyond. However, as young people increasingly engage with social media platforms and online communication tools — including apps such as Discord, Instagram, TikTok — it is important that we continue working together to promote safe, respectful, and responsible online behaviour. While many online platforms provide valuable opportunities for connection and shared interests, they can also present challenges. Misunderstandings, unkind behaviour, inappropriate content, and unsafe interactions can occur outside school hours but still significantly impact student wellbeing and relationships at school. We encourage all families to have regular, open conversations with their children about their online activity. Taking an interest in the platforms they use, understanding who they are communicating with, and discussing expectations around respectful communication are essential steps in supporting positive digital citizenship. Clear family boundaries around screen time, privacy settings, and appropriate online conduct can make a significant difference. To further support parents and caregivers, we recommend accessing the SchoolTV resources available through our school. SchoolTV provides practical, evidence-based information on topics such as cyber safety, social media use, gaming, and managing screen time. These resources are designed to help families navigate the digital world with confidence and to support meaningful discussions at home. https://hpss.nz.schooltv.me/channel-newsletter/315 Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting the well-being and safety of our young people. By working together, we can help our students build the skills they need to engage positively and responsibly in the digital world.
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