Stay Safe Online
Education key to preventing online harm
The internet is a wonderful resource that many children and young people love to explore, and is a huge part of today’s culture. Schoolwork, gaming, video streaming and social media are among the most popular uses for internet in the current time. It can seem near impossible to keep the finger on the pulse surrounding trends in the ever-changing online world. It can seem even more challenging to mitigate the risks. Building knowledge and becoming educated and aware of the apps and sites kids are accessing is a vital protective and preventative step in preventing online harm. Taking an active role in your kids' internet activities assists in ensuring that kids can have the benefits of the online space without being exposed to the possible dangers and risks of the online world.
All parents should be aware of what their kids see and hear on the internet, who they are communicating with, and what they share about themselves. Communicating with your kids and keeping a close eye on their activities is essential in providing a safe environment.
The Carly Ryan Foundation is an extensive resource supported by The Australian Government eSafety Commissioner, Crime Stoppers and The Federal Police, that provides a range of services and support in the areas of internet safety, internet crime and cyberbullying. The App Factsheets are a resource that all parents with young people using devices for online use should access. The factsheets clearly outline information directly related to popular apps and include how the app works, features of the app, age restrictions and the risks. We encourage you to check out the factsheets to build your awareness: https://www.carlyryanfoundation.com/resources/fact-sheets
Along with education, keeping an open line of communication is an essential protective factor in keeping kids safe online. Kids need to feel assured that when they have problems online, they can feel comfortable in coming to their parent for guidance and support. It can be a highly stressful situation when things go wrong, particularly when your child has been subject to harassment, intimidation, or restricted or illegal content. The important thing is to stay calm and know there is help available. The e-Safety Commissioner provides supportive resources to take action when things go wrong. Reporting to the e-Safety Commissioner is a quick and easy process that assists in developing an understanding of what steps can be taken when things go wrong.
What can the eSafety Commissioner help remove?
- Content that is seriously humiliating, seriously harassing, seriously intimidating or seriously threatening.
- Content that is menacing, harassing or offensive in all circumstances AND intended to cause seriousharm.
- Real or fake nude or sexual images and videos shared without the consent of the person shown, or images or videos that show someone without the religious or cultural attire they usually wear in public.
- Child sexual exploitation material
- Pro-terror material
- Material that promotes, instructs or incites in matters of crime or violence.
eSafety can also direct online services to remove or age-restrict access to content that is inappropriate for children, including sexually explicit material and high-impact violence. Please follow the link to see more information around what you can report and how:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/report-online-harm/summary-table-what-you-can-report-and-how
- Kate McGrath, Deputy Principal Community Wellbeing
Click the button below to find out more about a disturbing TikTok trend that is being used to bully and harass:
Parents/carers are reminded that they and their children need to be aware of the college's Mobile Phone Policy. This can be found on the college website here:
https://www.sackialla.catholic.edu.au/about/policies
Additional resources: