In this episode, Willow talks with Gloria Masters – survivor, author, founder of Handing the Shame Back, and the woman behind the Global Hand Sign for under-16s, a silent cry for help for children who are not safe.

Together they explore why Gloria created the sign, how it is already helping to protect children around the world, and what every adult needs to know if a child uses it with them. They also talk about her work supporting survivors and shifting the shame off children and back to where it belongs.

Listen in to learn the sign, understand how to respond safely, and become the kind of adult a child can turn to.

In this special episode, we’re focusing on one of the biggest challenges for parents today - navigating the digital world with their children. Recently, we surveyed parents about their top concerns and the questions they most want to ask experts about online safety, wellbeing, and resilience. Their honest, anonymous responses highlight both the struggles families face and their deep commitment to protecting and supporting their children. We’ve brought these questions to a panel of experts who share practical advice, insights, and solutions to help families thrive in the online space. Join us as we learn, share, and work together to make the digital world safer for every child.

Panel of experts:

Tim Houston is Manager of the Digital Child Exploitation Team (DCET) at New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs. Since 2014, he has led investigations into child sexual exploitation material (CSEM), victim identification, and major domestic and international operations, including the largest in New Zealand’s history. A former Customs Officer and founding member of the Child Exploitation Operations Team. Tim is a dedicated child protection advocate. As well as his DIA role, he’s a member of the board of Safeguarding Children, and a member of the Thorn Law Enforcement Advisory Council. Nikki Denholm MNZM, is Director of The Light Project, founded in 2017 by sexual and public health professionals to address the changing online porn landscape and the lack of resources for young people in Aotearoa. Nikki specialises in emerging sexual health and gender issues and works to equip young people, their families / whānau, and communities to build porn literacy and foster healthy sexuality and relationships.

Sean Lyons is Netsafe’s Chief Online Safety Officer, media spokesperson and head of Netsafe Lab, the organisation’s innovation arm. From 2022-2024, he served as Vice President of INHOPE, the global network of helplines combatting the distribution of child sexual exploitation material. With a background in both IT and education, including time as a classroom teacher and school leader, Sean brings deep expertise on online safety challenges and leads Netsafe’s work to prevent and respond to child sexual exploitation material.

Our children and young people are growing up in an increasingly online world.

Digital safeguarding is crucial in a school context given that students are spending more and more time on devices. Teachers can no longer rely on just their eyes and ears to detect harm that may be occurring for their students.

In today’s episode, Safeguarding Children consultants Jessica McQuoid and Ruth Browning are joined by Saunil Hagler, Education Director for Linewize in Aotearoa New Zealand to discuss how schools can better safeguard children and young people when they are online. Hear about the challenges schools are facing and solutions for promoting student wellbeing.

Topics include:

• The current landscape: Hear about the digital risks to children and young people when they are online, and the issues schools are facing when safeguarding their students in digital spaces.
• Safeguarding in an online context: What does it mean to safeguard children and young people online? How do we put appropriate safeguards in place?
• The safeguarding services Linewize provides schools: Filtering, blocking harmful content, monitoring students’ online behaviour, surveying student wellbeing…and more.
• Schools’ obligations to responding to online harm: Find out who is responsible within the school context to recognise and respond to online harm happening to students and the actions we should take.

And more.

Enjoy the show!

To learn more about how you can help safeguard children, visit our website ⁠https://www.safeguardingchildren.org.nz

Feel free to reach out via the website or connect with ⁠Willow on LinkedIn⁠.

Join the Conversation:

We are all stakeholders in the safety and well-being of children. Whether you are a professional working with children, a parent, or a concerned citizen, your voice matters. Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions with us. Together, we can make a difference in creating a safer world for children.

Contact Us:

• Website: Safeguarding Children
• Email: info@safeguardingchildren.nz
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