The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE National Child Protection Council’s “NetSmartz” initiative has made it to New Providence, with officials launching an iteration of the programme at the St Francis and Joseph Primary School yesterday.

The programme, designed by Dr Novia T Carter-Lookie, aims to instruct children on ways to best conduct themselves on the internet to guard against exposure to inappropriate content, online privacy, sexting, online sexual solicitation and cyber-bullying.

According to the council, the programme will also engage children in a two-way conversation about on and offline risks, empowering them to help prevent themselves from being exploited and to report any form of victimisation to a trusted adult.

Dr Carter-Lookie, in her outline of the programme, developed four safety rules parents should encourage their children to follow when using the internet - telling a trusted adult if anything makes them feel sad, scared or confused; asking an adult before sharing information such as names, addresses and phone numbers; not meeting with anyone met over the internet face-to-face and always using good etiquette while online.

Yesterday’s launch is associated with activities organised by the Department of Social Services in conjunction with the council to observe Child Protection Month.

Students on hand received copies of two interactive colouring books that highlighted the risks of both sexual abuse and online targeting.

NetSmartz was launched in Long Island by the council last month.