Community 

CERES Youth Sustainability Leadership Summit

A free, one-day event running during the April school holidays for students interested in the environment, sustainability and climate action - see Nat's Compass post for more details.

E-Scooters & E-Bikes

A reminder from your local police that you must be 16 years of age to ride an e-scooter, and that e-bikes must be pedal assisted and follow the same rules as a non-powered bicycle.  Children of primary school age and the adult accompanying them can ride their bikes or regular unpowered scooters on the footpath.  Anyone over the age of 12 (not including an adult accompanying a child) must ride on the side of the road or on a bike path.  Helmets must be worn at all times while riding a bike or scooter.

 If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact their office at ND4-PROACTIVE-UNIT-OIC@police.vic.gov.au or at the Sunbury Police Station on (03) 9744 8111.

e-Safety

for this year's e-Smart Week the theme was ‘Be Connected, Be eSmart’.  It focused on how to be smart and safe online, whilst remaining connected.  The Alannah and Madeline Foundation has more information here. 

A great resource is the e-Safety Commissioner Website  It has a plethora of information for young people and parents about different apps, how to report online harm, the social media delay for under 16s, creating positive change, plus much more! 

I also like to remind students and families that if young people have a harmful experience online, they should reach out for support – even if they’re under 16 and it happens on an age-restricted social media platform. Students and families won’t get into trouble for them being on the platform.  The focus is on ensuring young people are safe online, and that harmful material is removed or threats against them are stopped.  

Open conversations at home remain one of the strongest protective factors for young people.  Over the holidays, finding a healthy balance between time online and offline can help support both wellbeing and positive digital habits!

I hope everyone has a lovely school break

Natalie Henry