Finding TikTok a tricky topic? Central parents can get help from parent of four, author and documentary maker Rob Cope who is speaking at two free sessions on September 12 and 13.

Local kura (schools) are asking that at least one parent per whānau attend if possible.

Parents can contact their child’s school office to collect free tickets to ensure they get a seat.

Rob and wife Zareen created ‘Our Kids Online’ in 2018 and then released a documentary ‘Our Kids Online: Porn, Predators and How to Keep Them Safe” in 2020. 

The pair are working on a follow up documentary ‘Our Kids Online: Social Media, Gaming and the Developing Brain’.

Watch a preview about the session here.

The sessions are at Cromwell College (Barry Ave) on Tuesday September 12, 6.30 - 8.30pm and Alexandra Bowling Club (Poole Rd) Wednesday September 13, 7.00 - 9.00pm. 

NZ Police have warned parents of suspicious social media posts circulating on community pages throughout the country on Thursday August 31.

The posts are from a man seeking videos of children aged between nine and 12 ‘sliming’ or ‘gunging’ over themselves.

The individual offers money, vouchers or tickets to events in exchange for children to be part of a gameshow for Water Productions NZ.

The idea of the gameshow is to have children ‘slimmed’ or ‘gunged’ if they fail to answer questions successfully.

Police have established that the business ‘Water Productions NZ’ is not a legitimate New Zealand business.

Police urged members of the community not to engage with this person via social media.

Parents are encouraged to check in with their kids and understand what they are doing online.

Advice is to talk with your kids about what they’re using the internet for and the information they are sharing.

Online safety information is available through Netsafe.