Why Device Bans Alone Aren’t Enough to Keep Students Safe Online

Device bans aren’t enough. With AI-powered apps and image-based abuse on the rise, schools need proactive cyber safety strategies. Netsafe guidance, Linewize tools, and educator training help build safe, responsible digital communities where students can learn, explore, and thrive online.

"Creating an intimate image of someone under the age of 18 is illegal. This includes the use of AI tools. Parents and carers can help educate their children that this behaviour can lead to criminal charges."

— Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner

In New Zealand, the rise of AI-powered 'nudify' apps has become a significant concern for schools. These applications use artificial intelligence to create non-consensual intimate images, often referred to as 'deepfakes'. Such images can be shared without consent, leading to serious emotional and legal consequences for those involved.

Netsafe defines image-based abuse as the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, including digitally altered ones like deepfakes. This type of abuse is not only harmful but also illegal under the Harmful Digital Communications Act.  This underscores a critical point: banning devices alone will not protect students. Educators, families, and students need clear guidance, practical strategies, and a coordinated approach to cyber safety.. Restricting technology without guidance or education leaves students unprepared to navigate the complex digital spaces they use every day.

At Linewize we have long advocated that true cyber safety in schools requires an integrated approach in which technology, education, and the wider community are aligned and mutually supportive. A comprehensive solution should protect and guide every child, while actively engaging the entire school community, including staff, students, and parents.

Extending Cyber Safety Beyond School Walls

Cyber safety doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Schools and parents need a solution that extends beyond the school network including homes, devices, and the broader community. With the challenges of online safety today extending far beyond the classroom, Linewize Connect solutions are designed to address these kinds of issues with a powerful suite, and highly configurable cyber safety tools that combine cutting-edge technology, expert guidance, and deep community engagement to help keep children safe and thriving online.

Linewize Connect helps schools and families work together to monitor and manage students' device usage on any devices or networks. With a comprehensive approach, our ecosystem combines the dedicated support of our specialist School Community Engagement team and the experience of Cyber Experts. This ensures the program adapts to the unique needs of each community and creates a strong foundation that schools can use to build safe and supportive digital environments for children to thrive in their digital life.

Book a short consultation with one of our education experts to explore how your school can strengthen its approach to online safety and digital wellbeing.

Building a Culture of Digital Awareness

Through this partnership, schools can promote healthy digital habits at school, at home, and everywhere in between; laying the foundation for safe and responsible digital citizenship by building a culture of awareness, responsibility, and resilience.

To address the growing threat of AI-generated image abuse, Netsafe provides practical guidance and resources for students, parents, and educators on what to do if intimate images are shared without consent. The site includes frequently asked questions, step-by-step advice, and a list of trusted contacts for additional support, helping schools and families respond effectively to these incidents

When schools adopt a collaborative approach to online safety, it delivers measurable benefits for students, staff, and the wider school community. With consistent messaging and support, students gain the digital skills they need to navigate online spaces safely and responsibly. 

To complement your school’s cyber safety initiatives, this article by John Parsons offers practical guidance for keeping kids safe online. It’s a helpful resource for educators and families looking to strengthen healthy digital habits. Read more here. 

By equipping educators with the right tools and training, teachers and support staff become more confident and effective when cyber safety is integrated into daily school practices. This reduces reaction time during incidents and fosters a stronger sense of safety among students. 

Learn how our powerful and intuitive tools give teachers complete internet control over internet use, supporting both learning and safety. 

Supporting Schools for Ongoing Cyber Safety Success

The risks students face online are constantly evolving. Social platforms, games, and mobile devices are part of their daily lives, and now with the proliferation of AI and ‘nudify’ apps, schools need a strategic, long-term approach to safeguard students against evolving digital risks.

Taking the first step now can make a lasting difference in your school’s digital wellbeing. If you're ready to explore a more effective approach to cyber safety in education, we invite you to learn more about our unique Classwize solution which supports effective teaching and learning in the modern, digital classroom. 

Fostering a culture of online safety and prioritising cyber safety in schools requires close collaboration between educators, families, and trusted online safety partners. By moving beyond reactive policies and partnering with experts, New Zealand schools can create resilient digital communities where students safely explore, learn, and thrive online.Talk with one of our education experts to discover how your school can strengthen its approach to online safety and build a safe, supportive digital culture for students before the next challenge emerges.