How can I use Hector's World™ at home with my children?

Our educational material is targeted at children aged 2 to 10. This is actually a very wide age range for children with quite varied developmental needs to address.

We strongly suggest that education begin with a child's first access to ICT (Information and Communication Technologies). For example, if your two year old is starting to use a mouse and keyboard, then having the Hector's World Safety Button™ installed is a good first step. Younger children can have fun with the puzzles and colour-in storybooks as well. Slightly older children (5-6 years upwards) might be very able to follow the episode action. You can sit with them and discuss an episode before and after they view it to help ensure they get maximum benefit from the content.

For example, we feel the ocean is the perfect metaphor for the internet. It is incredibly vast and some of the most appealing things can also hurt you. We have also used another metaphor in the first episode set - a carnival (the internet can be a bit like a carnival or games arcade with all kinds of bells, whistles and enticements to play). Younger children may need guidance in understanding those ideas, while older children will probably get it easily. You can access information about using the Hector's World™ episodes with your child in the 'Parent' section of this website, or you can use the Hector's World™ lesson plans for activity suggestions.

The best way for children to view our episodes at home is with their parent or caregiver alongside them. Also, you can ask if your child's school has integrated Hector into their classrooms. The consistency of having these cybersafety messages echoed at home and school is very powerful for young children.

Be forewarned - the Hector's World™ theme song is very catchy and hard to get out of your head!

Kiwi kids having breakfast with Hector