Unfriending Big Bad Wolf

SHOW OF HANDS: New Zealand Playhouse players Amy Sisson as a Minion, left, Riley Harper as Snow White and Ben Ashby as the Prince at Westmere School.PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY

Snow White and internet safety were on show at Westmere School on Monday when New Zealand Playhouse performed #The Fairest of Them All.

The group uses fairy tales to teach children about internet dangers, like friend requests "from the big bad wolf".

Started in 2009, the theatre company performs 700 shows a year for school students across New Zealand and Australia.

The group has spoken about subjects like recycling in the past. However, cast member Amy Sisson, 20, says internet safety has become important in today's digital learning environment.

"A lot of schools are switching to things like iPads, so it's important to teach kids that it's not all fun and games."

The troop have done 50 shows this year and received positive feedback from both parents and teachers.

"We get a lot of comments saying how much the kids enjoyed the show. It means a lot to be able to inspire young people and see their smiles."

Westmere pupil Phoenix Grammaticogiannis, 12, says the show taught him how to safely surf the net.

"We found out you shouldn't post random stuff on the internet and watch out who you talk to.

"It was quite funny though."

Principal Phil Walker says the group have been coming for three years and have always been "a smash with the kids".

"There are other groups like this out there but none seem to be this polished.

"You can never have enough discussion about what you can put online, but this is done in a fun way," Mr Walker said.