Digital Technologies News
St Martin de Porres Catholic Primary School
Keeping Our Students Safe Online
This term, all students across the school have participated in a Cyber Safety Webinar delivered by Inform and Empower. These sessions provided age-appropriate learning about staying safe online, protecting personal information, responding to uncomfortable situations and making responsible choices when using technology.
Prep
Our Prep students explored the idea that a screen can be like a big city. There are lots of exciting and helpful things to discover, but sometimes things can also be unsafe or confusing. Students learnt that not everything they see on a screen is safe or intended for them. Most importantly, they learnt that trusted adults can help keep them safe when they are using technology.
Years 1 & 2
Students learnt about the importance of keeping personal information private online. This includes information such as their name, address, school, passwords and photos. Students discussed what to do if someone online asks them for personal information, including telling a trusted adult who can help them block and report the person.
Students learnt that the internet can be accessed by many people and that we cannot always know who we can trust online. Keeping personal information private is an important way to stay safe.
Years 3 & 4
Students explored different strategies for responding to uncomfortable or unsafe situations online. These included:
Taking a screenshot
Blocking or reporting
Taking a break
Talking to a trusted adult
Students also discussed the difference between snitching or dobbing and help-seeking. Snitching or dobbing is about trying to get someone into trouble, while help-seeking and being an upstander is about trying to get yourself or someone else out of trouble.
A key focus was also consent. Students learnt that consent means giving permission and that before sharing a photo, video or anything about another person online, we need to ask for permission and wait for a clear yes.
Years 5 & 6
Our senior students explored the responsibilities that come with being online, including how the law can apply to serious online behaviour, such as cyberbullying, threats and sharing private images without permission.
Students revisited strategies for managing uncomfortable situations online, including:
Taking a screenshot
Blocking or reporting
Taking a break
Talking to a trusted adult
They also explored the difference between dobbing and help-seeking, with a focus on being an upstander and supporting others when something is not right.
Consent was another important focus. Students were reminded that consent means giving permission and that we should always ask for permission and wait for a clear yes before sharing a photo, video or anything about another person online.
Working Together to Keep Children Safe Online
Cyber safety is an ongoing conversation, and families play an incredibly important role in helping children develop safe, responsible and healthy technology habits.
Inform and Empower has provided valuable tips and resources for families. Please refer to the appropriate links for your child's year level:
We strongly encourage families to follow Inform and Empower on social media or visit their website for regular updates, advice and resources to support children in navigating the digital world.
By working together, we can help our students develop the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to stay safe and make positive choices when using technology.
Lucas Mangani
Deputy Principal | Digital Technologies Leader