Mental Health & Wellbeing Students/Parents/Carers Support
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Ripponlea Primary School
Mental Health and Wellbeing Update
Nikki Olsen
This Week's Key Message
Technology allows children to learn, connect with others and have fun. Like any tool, it can also be misused. By working together, schools and families can help children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.
Why Are We Talking About Cyberbullying?
Australia has introduced legislation to restrict access to social media for children under 16. However, it is important to remember that cyberbullying is not limited to social media.
Many children regularly communicate through online games and gaming platforms where they can chat, send messages, use voice communication and interact with other players. Although these gaming platforms are not covered by the social media age restrictions, children may still experience cyberbullying through these online interactions, even if they do not have social media accounts.
Examples include
Social media
YouTube*
Online games and gaming platforms
- Roblox
- Minecraft
- Nintendo Switch
- Xbox
PlayStation
Other online communication
- Group chats
- Text messages
Messaging apps
For this reason, teaching online safety remains an important part of helping children stay safe. Our goal is not to encourage children to use these platforms, but to equip students with the knowledge and skills to recognise cyberbullying, respond safely and seek help from a trusted adult when needed.
*YouTube is included because children may encounter comments, live chats and other online interactions. Whether a child is permitted to use YouTube depends on the type of account, parental supervision and the platform's terms of service.
What Is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is the deliberate and repeated use of technology to hurt, threaten, embarrass or exclude another person.
Cyberbullying can include:
- Sending repeated hurtful messages
- Spreading rumours online
- Excluding someone from a group chat
- Sharing embarrassing photos or videos
- Pretending to be someone else using a fake account
- Posting unkind comments
Encouraging others to join in
Why Is Cyberbullying Different?
Unlike playground bullying, cyberbullying can happen:
- Before school, after school and on weekends
- During holidays
Anywhere a child has access to technology
Messages, photos and videos can also be copied, shared and screenshotted within seconds, making it difficult to completely remove harmful content.
Remember
Technology isn't the problem—how people choose to use it is.
Signs Your Child May Need Support
Every child responds differently. Some signs to look for include:
- Becoming upset after using a device
- Avoiding friends or school
- Becoming withdrawn or anxious
- Changes in sleep or mood
- Not wanting to use devices they previously enjoyed
Becoming secretive about online activity
How Parents Can Help
Stay Calm and Listen
If your child tells you something has happened online, thank them for telling you. Staying calm helps children feel safe to keep talking.
Save the Evidence
Before deleting messages, take screenshots and record usernames, dates or messages where possible.
Report and Block
Use the reporting tools within apps, games and websites, then block the person if appropriate.
Work Together
If cyberbullying involves other students from school, let the school know. Schools and families achieve the best outcomes when they work together.
Helpful Conversations to Have at Home
Instead of only asking "How was school?", try asking:
- "What's your favourite app or game at the moment?"
- "Has anyone ever been unkind online?"
- "What would you do if someone sent you a hurtful message?"
- "Who could you talk to if something online worried you?"
"Would your friends know how to get help?"
Regular, calm conversations help children feel comfortable asking for support before problems become bigger.
Five Family Reminders
Think before you post.
Treat people online the same way you would face-to-face.
Never forward embarrassing photos or messages.
If something doesn't feel right, tell a trusted adult.
Remember that screenshots can last forever.
When Additional Support May Help
While many online issues can be resolved with support from trusted adults, additional help may be beneficial if your child:
- appears increasingly anxious, withdrawn or distressed after using technology
- refuses to attend school because of online issues
- experiences ongoing bullying despite blocking and reporting
- has significant changes in mood, sleep or friendships
talks about feeling hopeless or unsafe.
If you are concerned about your child's wellbeing, consider speaking with your child's classroom teacher, school wellbeing staff, your GP or a mental health professional. Early support can make a significant difference.
Helpful Supports for Families
eSafety Commissioner
Australia's official online safety website providing advice about cyberbullying, online safety, reporting harmful content and support for families.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/social-media-age-restrictions
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/cyberbullying
Kids Helpline
Free, confidential counselling for children and young people aged 5–25 years.
📞 1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue
Information and support for anxiety, depression and mental health.
Bullying No Way
Australia's national bullying prevention website with practical information for families and schools.
This Week's Takeaway
Although Australia's new social media legislation is an important step in protecting young people, it does not remove the need to teach children how to stay safe online. Many children continue to communicate through online games, messaging services and shared devices where cyberbullying can still occur.
Children are much more likely to seek help when they know the adults around them will listen calmly, believe them and work together to support them. By maintaining open conversations at home and teaching children to think before they post, save evidence, seek help and show kindness and respect online, we can work together to create safer digital environments for every child.
Trusted Resources:
Australian Government eSafety Commissioner https://www.esafety.gov.au/
Social media age restrictions (Parents)
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/social-media-age-restrictions
Social media age restrictions (Educators)
https://www.esafety.gov.au/educators/social-media-age-restrictions
Social media age restrictions – Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions/faqs
Cyberbullying advice for parents
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/cyberbullying
If you have any concerns regarding your child's wellbeing, please feel free to reach out. Working together collaboratively between home and school is one of the strongest protective factors for children's mental health and wellbeing.