eSmart and Wellbeing Resources
e-Safety for Parents - Approaching mental health challenges online
Social media helps young people connect with friends and express themselves. It can also be a place for people to share mental health challenges they may be facing. In some cases, young people may see friends or influencers sharing images, videos or messages of self-harm or promoting unhealthy eating habits.
With so many of us in lockdown, there may be more opportunities for young people to be exposed to troubling content online. As parents, it's vital our children can come to us for open, non-judgmental discussions about what they are seeing online.
You may not have all the answers but you can help them find out what to do when they encounter distressing content and get access to the right support. Start with our online safety basics which includes links to support services. You may also find the COVID-19 advice booklet for parents and carers very useful during this time.
Our free parent webinars are also a great way to help your children navigate the online world. Scroll down to register and look out for our upcoming webinar on digital technologies and mental health.
Resources for students
Resources are available on the health and wellbeing advice for students web page to help students support themselves and their peers in managing their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Quick guide to student mental health and wellbeing resources
School staff, students, parents and carers can also access a quick Guide to Student Mental Health and Wellbeing resources for advice.
Students, parents and carers can also access support through external services including:
Kids Help Line - 1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
Lifeline - 13 11 14
Reachout - getting a mental health care plan
Links, Resources & Other Information
Safety4Kids - Provides information around physical safety (road safety, stranger danger, bullying, pool safety) as well as internet safety.
FUSE Internet safety resources - Provides information for early childhood, primary and secondary students, as well as teachers, for informing students about internet safety. This content is provided by the Victorian Government and the Department of Education and Training.
Stay Smart Online - Provides easy to understand tips and techniques for you to stay secure when working, socialising, banking, shopping or just browsing online.
National Online Safety - Individualised guides to specific sites that are most popular with children.
eSafety Commissioner - Empowering all Australians to have safer, more positive experiences online.