ICT (Technology)

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please find included information regarding the minimum age requirements for various social media apps commonly used on smartphones, computers, iPads, and other tablets by teens and adults. Please note that while the App Store may list some of these apps as suitable for ages 12+, this is incorrect according to the actual terms of service of each company.

There have been incidents that have come to the school's attention regarding inappropriate use of social media by underage students, particularly with apps like SnapChat and TikTok. The consequences of unmonitored and inappropriate use of such apps can be far-reaching and damaging to all involved.

We urge you to discuss with your children why the use of these apps is not appropriate for primary school-aged students. The Sydney Catholic Schools' Student Acceptable Use Policy, is regularly reviewed with students during classes. This document is also a valuable resource for you when discussing these matters with your child.

Some additional points that may aid you in a discussion with your child regarding social media and online safety include:

• Having access to technology does not equate to being able to handle the responsibilities of using it in a socially acceptable manner.
• Children under the age of 13 often have difficulty understanding what is appropriate and acceptable behavior online versus what is harmful and illegal, including online bullying.
• Children under 13 struggle with understanding the permanence of the internet. This includes commenting, posting photos or videos, and the potential long-term impact of a post or comment that seemed fine or amusing at the time.
• Children under the age of 13 may not grasp that comments and images can be saved by friends and forwarded to anyone, often in ways they may object to.

In signing up for an account with these apps, children would be forced to falsify their age. Lying about a requirement designed to protect children is not the message we want to convey.

There is an excellent online government resource that you may find useful at: https://esafety.gov.au/.

I have also included an infographic from the Federal Government detailing the minimum age requirements for popular apps according to their terms of use.

Thank you for your support in this matter.

Mrs Lucy Chigioni

Technology Leader of Learning