Solving parents’ digital worries
“Parents love their kids and kids love their gadgets,” says Dave Atkinson from The Parenting Place. “Parents speak to us
all the time - they want to make the most of this new technology but they worry. Are my kids spending too much time on
their phones? Are they up to mischief? And most of all - are my kids safe?”
Vodafone, The Parenting Place, and internet safety experts Netsafe are partnering to create a new suite of resources to
help parents become better ‘digi-parents’. Dave Atkinson, who has worked with The Parenting Place for nine years, is
fronting a series of short videos and TV ads that will broadcast over the next 12 months. “These online clips have lots
of practical tips about setting limits, using the safety features built into phones and computers and so on. They are
part of a bigger campaign, steering parents to the digi-parenting.co.nz web hub which is packed full of useful information to help parents become more confident.”
Russell Stanners, CEO of Vodafone NZ Ltd, introduced the new project. “Vodafone have partnered with The Parenting Place
and Netsafe because of our shared passion for achieving healthy outcomes for young New Zealanders and their families. We
believe in equipping families with the knowledge they need to use technology in a safe and positive way.”
“Between the three of us, we cover a lot of bases,” says Atkinson. “Vodafone knows the technology. Netsafe are experts
on safety, and The Parenting Place specialises in communicating to parents and young people. Technology is only going to
get more and more pervasive. It’s up to parents to get to grips with it. The good news is it’s really not that hard to
be a switched on savvy digi-parent.”
ENDS