THE CYBER SAFETY PROJECT

Parent Webinar Series 2024

WEBINAR SESSIONS now available to watch!

The first 3 webinar sessions are now available to watch back and we still have 3 sessions to come in Terms 3 and 4.

Join the Cyber Safety Project and special expert guests as they explore a diverse range of topics pertinent to raising children in a digital age.

2024 UPCOMING SESSIONS:

Game Aware – Healthy Gaming | 30 July 2024
Andrew Kinch (Game Aware) & Sam Macaulay (Cyber Safety Project)
Building Digital Resilience | 3 September 2024
Ash Manuel (Growing with Gratitude) & Trent Ray (Cyber Safety Project)
My First Mobile Device | 22 October 2024
Luca Gennai (Cyber Safety Project) & Trent Ray (Cyber Safety Project)

This year Oatlands Primary School have access to six Safety webinars, hosted by the team at the Cyber Safety Project. We believe that these sessions will help to build consistency amongst our community, where all students, staff and families will be offered valuable information in keeping ourselves safe in this everchanging digital world.

Follow this link to register: https://cybersafetyproject.com.au/parents

Digital Discipline: Five Ways to Foster Healthy Tech Habits in Kids

From the Cyber Safety Project website: https://cybersafetyproject.com.au/digital-discipline-how-to-foster-healthy-tech-habits-in-kids/

In this digital age, the virtual landscape is as much a part of our children’s environment as the physical one. Just as we teach our kids to navigate the complexities of the real world, it is crucial we guide them in developing healthy digital habits. This guidance will help them harness the positive aspects of technology while safeguarding their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Tip 1: Set a Tech-Free Zone

One of the most effective strategies to foster healthy tech habits in our children is to establish tech-free zones and times. For example, make the dinner table a phone-free area to encourage conversation and connection. Also, ensure bedrooms are screen-free at least an hour before bedtime to promote better sleep. This not only helps in reducing screen time but also in reinforcing the value of personal interaction and the importance of rest. Tech-free zones also support cyber safety and help protect children against online abuse – reducing or eliminating spaces where children may interact online without a trusted adult nearby.

Tip 2: Be a Digital Role Model

Children imitate what they see. If they constantly observe their parents glued to screens, they are likely to emulate that behaviour. Make a conscious effort to put away your devices during family time, and engage in offline activities together. By showing them the joy of reading a book, taking a nature walk, or playing a board game, you reinforce the idea that life beyond screens is rich and fulfilling.

Tip 3: Engage in Digital Education

Use technology as a tool for education and creativity. Encourage your children to use their screen time to learn something new, like a language or a musical instrument, or to create something, such as digital art or coding projects. This will not only make their screen time more productive but also teach them to view digital devices as tools for personal growth rather than only for entertainment.

Tip 4: Cultivate Self-Regulation

Empower your children to build self-regulation skills in their digital engagement. Discuss with them the importance of self-awareness regarding their screen time and its impact on their mood and behaviour. Together, create a ‘Digital Use Agreement‘ that includes time limits, types of permissible content, and self-monitoring strategies. Encourage them to take breaks when they feel overwhelmed or after a set time. When they adhere to these guidelines, praise their discipline. Over time, they’ll learn to manage their digital consumption independently, making responsible choices that align with their wellbeing.

Tip 5: Promote Unplugged Time

Encourage your family to embrace ‘unplugged time‘, where everyone disconnects from their devices to engage with the world and each other. Whether it’s a designated evening each week or certain hours during the day, this practice helps children appreciate activities beyond the digital realm. You can fill this time with group activities like puzzles, outdoor adventures, or quiet reading sessions. This commitment to regular tech breaks will teach children the importance of balance and the joy of life’s non-digital pleasures.

It is integral to establish clear protocols and procedures when working in online spaces, including reviewing and considering the safety and appropriateness of online tools and communities. Please use the resources below to assist your family with online safety:

The Cyber Safety Project

https://www.cybersafetyproject.com.au/

Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner https://www.esafety.gov.au/

Camp Australia