From the Library Resource Centre (LRC)
SLRC News
Dates to Remember - Places still available
Friday, 31st October - Sunday, 2nd November
Blue Mountains Writers Festival - various venues, 94 speakers, 56 events, 15 workshops across 3 days! A jam packed program is on offer with Bookings essential!
Saturday, 1st November - Katoomba Library; Sunday, 2nd November - Tibby Whalan Hall, 81-83 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Blue Mountains Writers Festival - Kids program - Free sessions with children's authors, interactive workshops, poetry, storytelling, craft and fun! Bookings essential. For ages 2-18.
Social Media News
There is a lot of discussion about social media in the news, especially with the upcoming Social Media restrictions proposed for under 16s, staying safe online, as well as Gen AI.
To assist students and their parents, I have added further resource links to the Cyber Safety Resources box on the Schoolbox Community Library Resources page.
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation manage several programs aimed at children (Alannah and Madeline Prevention programs), with the eSmart program supporting children up to Year 10 with online safety education. eSmart is Australia's trusted provider of online safety, giving schools, educators, and families the tools they need to help keep students safe, smart and responsible in a digital world through free and updated resources aligned with the national curriculum.
A new suite of online safety education resources aimed at young learners, aged 4-9, complements the already existing 10-16-year-old resources. Thanks to funding from the Australian Government, these resources are now free to use and accessible for all Australian schools.
The eSafety Commissioner empowers all Australians to have safer and more positive online experiences with many resources available to assist families, young people and children with using the internet safely, and for how to report any problems that occur. There is information and guidance for all age groups, including webinars and explanatory videos.
Specific information can be selected for : Key topics; Educators; Parents; Young people; Kids; Women; Seniors; First Nations; Communities; Industries. Information and explanations for Young people and Kids is age appropriate, and can even assist parents with discussions with their children. The eSafety guide explains how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites.
I hope these resources assist families with staying safe and informed online.
Best regards,
Elisabeth Wells
Senior Library Information Services Technician