🖥️ Staying Safe Online: Learning Smart Habits Early

Growing up today means growing up online. Children are now navigating friendships, feelings, and identity not only in the real world but also in the digital one.

The recently acclaimed Netflix series Adolescence highlights how even early online experiences — like posting a drawing in a game, joining a class group chat, or playing online with friends — can quietly shape how young people see themselves and others.

At first, these activities seem simple and fun. But over time, invisible pressures can creep in:

Wanting recognition and validation on games like Roblox or Minecraft
Feeling left out if they are not included in group chats
Worrying if they are “good enough” compared to YouTubers or TikTokers they admire
Feeling like they must keep playing games or stay online to be part of a group
Starting to measure how much fun they are having — or how popular they are — through screens, rather than real experiences

Such TV content reminds us that without early guidance, these small pressures can quietly affect children's self-esteem, friendships and happiness. They may start believing that how they are seen online matters more than who they are offline.

At Oakleigh Primary School, we are committed to helping our students build strong, healthy relationships with technology. This term, we are encouraging students — and families — to develop smart online habits together by:

🛡️ Thinking Before They Click — remembering that not everything online is kind, true, or safe.
🧠 Asking for Help — reaching out to trusted adults if something online feels uncomfortable or confusing.
🚪 Protecting Privacy — keeping personal information like full names, addresses and passwords private.
🗣️ Choosing Kindness Over Popularity — understanding that true friendships are based on respect, not online approval.
🕒 Balancing Screen Time with Real Life — spending time outside, with family and friends, and in creative activities away from devices.

👨‍👩‍👧 Supporting Healthy Digital Habits at Home

Families play a powerful role in shaping children's early experiences with technology. Some helpful ways to support young children include:

Encouraging face-to-face friendships and outdoor play instead of relying solely on online games or chats.
Keeping devices (like phones, iPads, and laptops) out of bedrooms, especially during bedtime, to support healthy sleep habits.
Leading by example with mindful screen use — putting devices down during meals or family time.
Creating more opportunities for real family connection through shared activities, conversation, and play.
Encouraging open discussions about online experiences by using phrases like "I’m interested," or "Can you tell me more?" to keep communication open and non-judgmental.

Small steps like these build trust, strengthen resilience, and help children grow into thoughtful, safe digital users — ready for both the online and real-world adventures ahead.

The earlier children learn that their true worth is built through real-world experiences, not online approval, the stronger, safer and happier they will grow. 🌱

Student Voice

ANZAC Dawn Service