Plain language: 5 tips to be happy online

We’ve worked with Spectrum Care to create this plain language guide to having a happy time online. It offers advice for people with an intellectual disability, and those who support them. You can find our other plain language guides here. 5 tips to be happy online: plain language guide 1. Korero with whānau ōu hoa…

A yellow balloon is held between two hands. It has a smiley face drawn on it.

We’ve worked with Spectrum Care to create this plain language guide to having a happy time online. It offers advice for people with an intellectual disability, and those who support them. You can find our other plain language guides here.

5 tips to be happy online: plain language guide

1. Korero with whānau ōu hoa (Talk with family and friends).

Talk about what you do on the internet with people you trust. It can help you stay safe.

2. Be a good person.

Be kind towards other people and be careful about what you say and share online about them.

3. Ignore fake news.

If something you read or see online or on social media seems strange or makes you feel angry, ask someone to help you check if it is real.

4. Talk about things that make you feel uncomfortable.

Have a conversation with someone you know about anything you see or hear online that make you feel funny in a bad way. This could include nude or semi naked images or videos, and nasty or hateful comments.

5. Know where to get help.

Everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand is protected by a law called the Harmful Digital Communications Act (HDCA). Netsafe has responsibility, under this law, to help you if things go wrong. Report it here.

Plain language: 5 tips to be happy online (PDF, 67KB)

Report it

Netsafe offers a free service for people who are upset or hurt by something that happens online. We can explain how the Harmful Digital Communications Act (HDCA) may apply to you. This law deals with image based abuse (like revenge porn), incitement to suicide and extremely offensive, abusive or harassing content.

What happens when you contact Netsafe

Netsafe will:

  • ask you questions to understand what has been happening to you. We can check if the Harmful Digital Communications Act (HDCA) may apply to you. This law deals with image based abuse, incitement to suicide and extremely offensive, abusive or harassing content
  • talk about ways to stop the abuse
  • suggest other people you can talk to who may be able to help

We will continue to add to our plain language pages, so please get in touch if there is an area you think we should cover. Email your suggestions to [email protected]

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