Speakers
Description
As children increasingly engage in online spaces, equipping them with skills to navigate these environments safely and confidently is essential. While digital wellbeing efforts are often aimed at older students, Hector’s World focuses on primary-aged children (5-10 years) to build confidence, skills, and attitudes for positive online interactions. Cyberbullying poses unique challenges, affecting young people’s wellbeing, relationships, and self-esteem, with emerging research showing this behaviour occurring earlier, especially in gaming environments. Netsafe’s Hector’s World, initially launched in 2007, was reimagined in 2024 to provide children with age-appropriate tools to recognise, prevent, and respond to cyberbullying while fostering safe online behaviour.
The updated series includes seven bilingual episodes in English and te reo Māori, helping children develop resilience, discourage bystander behaviour, and create safe online spaces. Each episode presents relatable scenarios, empowering tamariki to make safe choices and build a culture of support among peers. Resources for teachers and families encourage discussions on digital safety and positive behaviour at school and home.
Through participatory design, Hector’s World engages children in resource development to ensure the content resonates with their online experiences. Netsafe’s approach combines cultural mindfulness with practical digital skills, supporting global bullying prevention efforts through positive digital citizenship.
Workshop Structure: Participants will:
Explore Hector’s World episodes to understand core themes,
Engage in hands-on activities simulating co-design with children,
Discuss practical applications for fostering digital resilience, and
Brainstorm ideas for adapting resources across diverse digital landscapes.
Participants will leave with adaptable strategies to enhance cyberbullying prevention and support safe online experiences.
Keywords
digital wellbeing, cyberbullying prevention, participatory design
| Please also indicate what kind of contribution it is: | Practitioner experiences |
|---|---|
| Please indicate what type of scientific contribution it is | Not applicable |
