Pre-school lessons in cyber-safety

Pre-schoolers will be targeted in a new cyber-safety campaign to stop them accessing inappropriate material or becoming involved in text-bullying in later life.

The First Steps to Cyber-Safety brochure will be sent to the country's 3600 licensed early childhood centres when the programme is launched tomorrow.

It outlines safe and responsible use of the internet and computers, and digital cameras, mobile phones, video and web cameras.

While such technology was commonplace in schools, its use in the early childhood sector was not yet widespread, said Claire Balfour, programme manager for NetSafe, which is behind the campaign.

"This means we have the advantage of familiarising young New Zealanders and their families about cyber-safety at the same time that the technology is being introduced and not afterwards."

The programme is aimed at those managing the services, as well as parents and caregiversand would support parents and caregivers in the home.