Media release from Hector's World Ltd.

To help kids stay safe online, Hector's World has launched a webcam cover for children to use. Kids can download and print the free webcam cover to use with computers at home or school.

Managing Director of Hector's World Liz Butterfield says, 'The cover helps children be aware of the webcam and think about using it before activating the device.'

'Our experience is that many young children using computers aren't aware of the presence of a webcam, let alone how to manage its use effectively. This simple paper cover can prompt a valuable discussion between parent and child, or teacher and student, about what a webcam is and how to manage its use safely.'

'Using the cover means the camera becomes 'default off', which is best with a young child. We suggest to children: "Know when you're on show".'

Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff welcomes the new tool. 'We know from a recent UMR survey that New Zealanders are worried about children's internet privacy. There is a need for continued vigilance to protect children and young people. I recommend children and parents have a look at this new webcam tool.'

The cover is available in a number of designs with Hector's World characters, and in versions for laptop and desktop webcam models. They can be used as a teaching activity for primary schools and early childhood centres as well.

Ms Butterfield adds, 'It's a fun project to make the webcam cover and turns the use of a webcam into an informed choice. Just simply asking a teacher or caregiver whether it's okay to remove the cover for an online session is a constructive safety strategy for young children.'

'Computer malware that allows remote control of the webcam, termed "webcam capture" is a reality of the internet, so I won't be surprised if some adults like the extra security of the cover themselves!'

ENDS

For more information contact: Liz Butterfield 021 72 5864 or LizB@hectorsworld.co.nz
The webcam covers can be found in the Workshop and Info Island sections of the website http://www.hectorsworld.com/island/main/workshop_interior_01/index.html#WORKSHOPa


Background

What is Hector's World®?

Hector's World® is an effective and engaging digital citizenship education programme for children aged 2-9 years, and their parents and teachers. Hector's World Ltd. (HWL) is a New Zealand charity and a social entrepreneurship venture.

www.hectorsworld.com

This website is divided into two sections: the magical underwater world of Silicon Deep and the comprehensive section for parents and teachers, Information Island.

Parent resources include discussion points to help parents guide their child's learning, including a special document on webcam covers. Teachers can find lesson plans for three different primary school age groups, activity suggestions, and soon special information for early childhood educators.

Parents and schools can download the free Hector's World Safety Button^TM which empowers children to deal with unwanted content online with the help of a trusted adult.

In Silicon Deep, children can learn about digital citizenship as they explore this special community. The venues include: the Workshop to find the webcam covers and other activities, Episode Theatre to watch episodes and music videos on topics such as personal information online and cyberbullying, the Music Club to play songs and learn the lyrics, the Town Hall to see citizen profiles and tours of Silicon Deep, the Police Station to learn about cybercrime, and more. This is a superb interactive, multi-media classroom resource - rich with creativity and dedicated to the well-being of young children.

Hector's World is selected as best practice overseas

Hector's World is widely used across UK primary schools through education partner The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre (http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/).

Hector's World® is the Australian Communications and Media Authority's key online safety resource for young children on their website www.cybersmart.gov.au.

The Bermuda Government's Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce has just launched Hector's World as their key online safety resource for young children http://www.cybertips.bm/.

Other countries will be launching later this year.

Enjoy Hector's World content:
Website (www.hectorsworld.com)
YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/HectorsWorldNZ)
Blog (http://hectorsworldltd.blogspot.com/?zx=e7b391cb15c17d8c)
Twitter (http://twitter.com/hectorsworld)