Hector to guard kids online

Children can click on Hector if they ever feel unsafe on the internet.

A cartoon dolphin has been released in cyberspace to guard children against internet dangers.

The Internet Safety Group (NetSafe) has launched the Hector Safety Button, a device where the animated dolphin, Hector Protector, swims alongside children in a corner of their computer screen.

Hector accompanies them as they use Internet Explorer, or communicate with others using Outlook or Outlook Express.

If a child is upset or worried about an image that comes up on the screen, they click on Hector which immediately covers the screen with an underwater scene.

A reassuring message tells the child he or she has done the right thing, and can go and get an adult for help.

NetSafe director Liz Butterfield said the appealing characters and animation were the perfect means for delivering such messages to children aged 3 to 10 years.

She said the safety button was launched with founding sponsor Microsoft New Zealand and co-creators and producers Auckland company Inkspot Digital.

It could be downloaded from the NetSafe or the Microsoft New Zealand websites, and obtained on CD as part of NetGuide magazine's December edition.

"This launch is the culmination of years of effort to develop appropriate cyber-safety education materials for the youngest and most vulnerable online," said Liz Butterfield. "When we hear of 2 and 3-year-olds able to navigate on the internet unassisted and 5-year-olds with their own mobile phones, online safety education is critical."

She said the idea of the button came from Inkspot and it was a simple and easy way for children to protect themselves against unwanted and sometimes frightening online content.

From accidental access to pornography, to chain letters with graphic photos, the Hector Safety Button would quickly cover the screen.

She said it was just the beginning of the Hector phenomenon. "A full website of animated episodes and a comprehensive teacher and parent resource section is to launch in the middle of next year."