Netsafe to provide students and staff with support to safely navigate the internet at Wanganui Collegiate School

WCS headmaster Wayne Brown encourages parents to attend or view Netsafe's presentation in the Prince Edward Auditorium on May 24. Photo / Supplied

In New Zealand almost anyone can access the internet and use it.

The internet is helpful for research, it provides entertainment and makes paying the bills much simpler through internet banking.

However, it can also be a dark place that provides some people with the opportunity to carry out bad intentions, such as scams, hoax emails and bullying.

That is where Netsafe steps in.

The New Zealand organisation will be at Wanganui Collegiate School on Thursday, May 24 to help develop student capability and confidence around digital citizenship and online safety.

WCS headmaster Wayne Brown said Netsafe would support both staff and students throughout the day.

"Netsafe will support Wanganui Collegiate School to identify what areas are already being addressed and what areas might be a priority in going forward," he said.

"I am looking forward to the impact this will have with our students, staff, parents and community."

The day will conclude with a parents and community session hosted by Netsafe's Anjela Webster in the Prince Edward Auditorium at 7pm.

The title of the presentation is digital natives to screenagers - ways to effectively balance approaches of protection and enabling for our young people as they learn to navigate opportunities and challenges online.

WCS have put out an open invitation to other Whanganui schools to join them and Brown said he encouraged all parents to attend or view the event.

"We are in the process of developing a process to live stream and record this event as we understand that not all our parents will be able to attend in person," he said.

"More information regarding the live stream will be communicated once confirmed."