We all know the internet is a critical learning resource and environment for ākonga. However, it’s increasingly important for us all to be vigilant against the threat of potential dangers and stay safe online.
Over 12 months (2021/2022), 7 billion potentially dangerous and distracting websites were blocked across our Managed Network to help keep students safer online. Being vigilant is, and will remain, an ongoing collaborative effort and we all have a part to play.
About Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day (SID) is an important global initiative that has been running for 20 years. This year, it’s taking place on Tuesday 7 February, with the objective of raising awareness and helping kick start conversations about how we can achieve a more positive experience online. We’re proud to be supporting this initiative.
Supporting online safety in schools
Here at N4L, we work hard to support schools in being safer online and helping protect kura, kaiako and their ākonga from the worst of the web. On the N4L Blog last year, we shared some top tips to help keep your school safe from cyber attacks, but improving online safety is about much more than stopping cyber attacks.
We’re dedicated to helping schools provide a safer environment for their online learning. Whether it’s our Safe & Secure Internet recommended settings, which filters what websites ākonga can access and helps schools strengthen defences against online threats, or Email Protection, we’re here to help schools enjoy access to a safer learning environment.
Top tips from our N4L whānau
We asked some of our N4L whānau what Safer Internet Day tips they could share to help schools stay safer online. Here’s what they said.
“To better stay safe online, keep an eye on and subscribe to updates from Netsafe and CERT NZ. They’ll send you new and current information about things to be aware of, latest cyber security threats, plus information to help you stay safe online. Also, talk to other colleagues and peers to see what they are doing to keep their school and selves safe online.”
– Matt Sandilands – School Relationship Manager, N4L
“Safer Internet Day is an awareness for us in the digital world that we don’t want to be compromised by the very tool we use to do our learning and day-to-day work. Schools can improve online safety by educating students and setting limitations on what they are accessing, as well as ensuring there is education around online safety for staff and students in schools.”
– Brian Visitacion – Delivery Engineer, N4L
“Schools can help improve their online safety by providing education and training for students, staff, and parents. This can include information on how to stay safe online, how to identify and report online risks, and how to use social media and other online tools responsibly.”
– Scarlett Li – Delivery Engineer, N4L
“For many of us, especially youth, using technology is an integral part of our lives. It’s how we communicate, connect with each other, learn, and have fun. For students, it is important they understand how to make good choices about how and what they do when using these devices.” Check out Netsafe’s Resources for students.
– Marnie Sutherland – School Relationship Manager, N4L
“Schools can increase their online security and internet safety by implementing simple yet effective security measures. These include adapting good password security and the use of password managers to keep passwords secure.”
– Mehak Talwar – Security Analyst, N4L
N4L wants to ensure tumuaki, kaiako and ākonga have access to a safer online learning environment and we’ll continue our mahi to support this objective. We hope we’ve provided some valuable ideas and that everyone has a great Safer Internet Day!
More about Safer Internet Day
Recognised by over 150 nations globally, the Aotearoa New Zealand SID is being coordinated by Netsafe in 2023, with this year’s theme being “Every Space a Safe Space”. From cyberbullying to social networking and digital identity, SID aims to raise awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns. For this year’s SID, Netsafe has created some valuable online resources which can help everyone be safer online.