NetSafe helps even more Kiwis with online troubles
NetSafe - the Internet Safety Group has taken measures to reach out to more New Zealanders by extending its hours of
operation and setting up a profile on NZ's most popular social networking website, Bebo.com.
NetSafe Operations Manager Lee Chisholm says "just over half our calls and emails about cyberbullying are from young
people and many of them involve Bebo or other social sites. We decided to go to where young people are online, in order
to make help and information more accessible for young people."
NetSafe's Bebo webpage (http://www.bebo.com/netsafe) offers information about keeping safe from online risks such as
cyberbullying and social networking scams, as well as giving young people an alternative way to get help if they need
it.
"Young people may not pick up a phone for help, but will get in touch via our Bebo page - the more ways we can be
available to help people keep safe online, the better.
Lee says that the Bebo page also allows NetSafe to better cement relationships with young people the NetSafe school
education team meet when out working in schools.
"Having someone trustworthy to talk with about what is going on online is the best safety strategy young people can have
today. NetSafe is working to be more available in that space and give young people an avenue to anonymously talk over
online issues."
The launch of the new NetSafe Bebo page coincides with NetSafe extending the operation hours of its Contact Centre to
8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
In 2007, the Contact Centre received 1574 calls and emails from adults, children and young people looking for help or
information about keeping safe online.
ENDS