Digital technology at Parkdale Primary School

We set clear expectations

• We have clear expectations about appropriate conduct using digital technologies. 
• Our Mobile Phone Policy outlines our school’s expectations relating to students using mobile phones during school hours.
• We have clear and appropriate consequences when students breach these expectations, in line with our Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy.

We teach appropriate conduct

• We teach our students to be safe, intentional and responsible users of digital technologies, including age-appropriate instruction on important digital issues such as cybersafety and cyberbullying.

We partner with families

• We work with parents and carers to understand the digital technology-related issues they are facing at home. We support them with information and tools that help.

We provide access to technology 

• We provide access to educational software for students to use. [list key software titles used by students, including department-provided software titles]
• We create student email accounts which are non-identifiable.

We supervise digital learning

• We supervise students using digital technologies in the classroom, consistent with our duty of care. [if relevant, insert any software that is used to supervise devices]
• We use clear protocols and procedures to protect students working in online spaces.

We take appropriate steps to protect students

• We provide a filtered internet service to block inappropriate content. Full protection from inappropriate content cannot be guaranteed, however, we have processes to report and act on inappropriate content.
• We may access and monitor messages and files sent or saved our network, if necessary and appropriate.

We appropriately manage and respond to online incidents

• We work to prevent, respond, and learn from issues or incidents relating to the use of digital technology, including cybersecurity incidents, cyberbullying and risks to child safety.
• We refer suspected illegal online acts to the police.

Establish clear routines 

• Talk to your child about expectations including when, where, and how digital devices can be used at home, ensuring these rules are age-appropriate and consistent. These can include:
  • Requiring devices to be used in a common area, such as a living room or kitchen 
  • Setting up a specific area for charging devices overnight, away from bedrooms, to promote better sleep hygiene.
• Be present when your child is using digital devices, especially for younger children who may not yet understand online risks.

Restrict inappropriate content

• Use built-in parental controls on devices and apps to help manage their device access and restrict inappropriate content, including apps and websites that are not suitable for their age group.
• Consider restricting the use of non-educational apps and apps with addictive game mechanics (e.g. rewards, badges, limited exit options).

Talk about online safety

• Talk with your child about the importance of protecting personal information and recognising online scams.
• Talk with your child about age restrictions on social media and explore other ways they can connect with their friends online and offline. 
• Encourage your child to talk to you or another trusted adult if they feel unsafe online.

Model responsible and balanced technology use

• Encourage a healthy balance between screen time and offline activities, especially outdoor unstructured play and time with friends and family, face-to-face. *
• Demonstrate responsible and balanced tech use in your own daily routine to set a good example for your child.

Work with us

• Let your child’s teacher know about concerns you have regarding their technology use
• Keep informed about what your child is learning at school, so you can help reinforce positive messages at home.

*Australia’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines include the following recommendations for children between 5-17 years-old regarding sedentary recreational screen time:

• no more than 2 hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day
• avoiding screen time 1 hour before sleep
• keeping screens out of the bedroom.

Source: Australia’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines, https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-children-and-young-people-5-to-17-years.