Wellbeing at TPS

Gaming, Devices, and What You Need to Know:

Hi Families,

This resource from ThinkUKnow Australia has been created for you when it comes to choosing and setting up new devices for your family.

ThinkUKnow has recently shared that many parents and carers are reporting feeling overwhelmed when it comes to their child’s online activities, with many devices available and many different safety options to be across, it can be hard to know exactly what to do to keep your child safe. 

Many people think that apps, games and sites specifically aimed at children are ‘safer’, which is not necessarily the case. Apps, games and sites that are marketed towards children may still have interactive online functions. 

Having an understanding of the features of devices, apps and games your children are using, particularly whether there is an internet connection and the ability to connect with other users, is important for keeping them safe.

Market research commissioned by the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE), indicates that just three per cent of parents and carers listed online grooming as a concern. 

More than half did not know what they could do to keep children safe from online child sexual exploitation.

This resource aims to provide information on popular devices, safety considerations and options available for you to manage your child’s online activities.  It is always recommended you undertake your own research in deciding whether a device, app or game is suitable for your child. 

Teesdale PS strongly recommends that device use at home is continuously monitored by an adult. Parental controls are not enough. We frequently hear parents say 'but I thought Roblox was fine because it's for kids', after finding out that their child had been exposed to inappropriate content on that program. Roblox is marketed for kids but anyone can sign up. Protect your children by monitoring their device, always. 

We also stress that you do not allow your child to have a social media account until they are legally allowed to sign up - the age being 12 or 13 years old for most apps. There is a vast amount of research now demonstrating the damaging effects of social media on the mental health of children and young people. Our advice to parents - don't allow your child to sign up and add to those statistics. 

For further information on preventing online child sexual exploitation, visit the Think you Know website.

Speak soon,

Mr Lindsay

Wellbeing supports available for all TPS families

• Ballarat Health Service Access and Triage, or call 1300 094 187 for urgent mental health support
• Suicide Call Back Service, or call 1300 659 467 
• Lifeline, or call 13 11 14,  or Text 0477 13 11 14 
• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARNor call 13 92 76 
• Kids Helpline or call 1800 551 800 
• Beyond Blue or call 1300 224 636 
• Headspace or call 1800 650 890. Headspace also have online chat services that can be accessed at Online & phone support | headspace 
• Grief & Loss - The Trauma and Grief Network (TGN) (anu.edu.au)  
• Supporting primary school-age children through grief - Emerging Minds 
• How to support your family and yourself through grief and loss - Emerging Minds