Papamoa family join digital parenting project

Josh and Delwynne Hahunga hope to learn new cyber skills in the research scheme. Photo / John Borren

A Papamoa family has become one of four to take part in a New Zealand research and discussion programme targeting digital communications such as cyber bullying.

Delwynne and Josh Hahunga have signed up to The Parent Project - a partnership between Vodafone, Parenting Place, and Netsafe to help families be more prepared and better connected in the digital world.

Over the course of the year, the family will share their experiences through regular blogs and videos in effort to help other parents deal with digital communication.

The Hahungas have three boys aged 18, 15 and 13. They will be provided with tools and guidance, including educational workshops and practical exercises to help them become more confident dealing with digital issues as a family.

Mrs Hahunga said they were looking forward to working together to raise everyone's abilities and awareness.

"At least you can get basic tools in place and keep the communications going, making sure that families stay together as a unit and not sitting individually on their devices."

Vodafone Digi-Parenting manager Liz Wilson said families wanted to hear from experts, but also other parents when it came to digital communication.

"At the end of the 12 months, we want our families to have the skills to use existing and future technology and confidently guide their children's digital growth and development," Ms Wilson said.

More information is available at www.digi-parenting.co.nz.