Just hooked up netgear router. Followed instructions and I tried to join network. I tried to open safari and got this network is not private. What should I do?

See if anything here helps.

Wi-Fi routers and access points - Recommended settings for

When you set up your Wi-Fi network you most likely were prompted to set up a personal password. If you did so, you will be protected. With that, no one can access the network unless they enter the password. I hope this answers your question.

Maybe it's telling you that it is not private because you didn't set it up to require a password to access it. If so, then you should do so. Otherwise, I suggest contacting the router's support people to get some help.