As our world becomes increasingly connected through mobile devices, children are becoming more vulnerable to cyberbullying and online abuse, and police are calling on parents to take more responsibility for their children's social media use.
Whangarei police campus cop Senior Constable Hank Van Engelen said social media was a big
part of the problem.
"Parents and caregivers need to give their children guidance around the use of social media on their phones and other electronic devices."
Just as it was important to know where your child was going and who they were with, Mr Van Engelen said parents needed to keep track of their kids' social media activity.
"They need to have access to their children's accounts, so they can see who they are talking to and what is being said."
