Child Safety& Student Wellbeing News
St Agatha's is committed to complying with Ministerial Order 1359
This month on SchoolTV - Cybersafety
Young people today are growing up in an increasingly connected world where technology is part of their everyday lives –– for learning, socialising, and entertainment. While the digital world offers enormous benefits, it also comes with serious risks.
From cyberbullying and online predators to inappropriate content and screen time concerns, navigating the online environment can be challenging for young people and their families.
Cybersafety is not just about blocking access –– it's about empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to use technology responsibly and safely. This includes understanding privacy settings, recognising scams, and developing healthy digital habits. At the same time, it's important for parents and caregivers to stay informed, have open and judgement-free conversations with their children, and lead by example through positive online behaviour.
In today's digital age, safeguarding a child's wellbeing must also include protecting their online life. This edition of SchoolTV will help you better understand the digital landscape your child is navigating and offer practical strategies to help them stay safe, confident and in control online.
Here is the link to your Edition https://stacbourne.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/cybersafety-au
Cyber Safety and the Dangers of Social Media
At St Agatha’s Primary School, the safety and wellbeing of our students extends beyond the classroom and into their digital lives. As children spend increasing amounts of time online, it is vital that we work together to ensure they are navigating the internet safely and responsibly.
While social media can be a positive tool for creativity and connection, it also comes with significant risks. Many popular platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, have age restrictions (usually 13 years and over) that are often overlooked. These restrictions are in place to protect young users from exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, online predators, and the influence of unhealthy behaviours.
We encourage all parents and carers to regularly check in with their children about their online activities. Open and honest conversations are key to helping young people understand the importance of responsible online behaviour. Some questions you might consider asking include:
- What apps and websites are you using?
- Who are you talking to online?
- Have you ever seen anything online that made you uncomfortable?
Taking the time to sit with your child and explore their online world shows that you care, and keeps communication lines open if problems arise.
We also strongly encourage families to set clear expectations and boundaries for device use at home, including supervision of social media accounts and regular reviews of privacy settings.
For further advice and resources, please visit the eSafety Commissioner’s website at www.esafety.gov.au. It offers fantastic guidance for parents on helping children stay safe online.
Together, through education, conversation and active support, we can empower our children to become safe, respectful and responsible digital citizens.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students safe – both offline and online.
If you are concerned, please reach out to your child's classroom teacher.
Here are some additional resources to support you:
Parent resources | eSafety Commissioner