Digital Technologies
eSafety Commissioner-Parent resources
The eSafety Commissioner has an array of accessible resources to help families navigate the fast-changing digital world.
Follow this link to see the webinars currently available for families. These include:
- Navigating screen time: tools for today’s families
- How AI is influencing new online risks for children and young people
- The trust trap: navigating friendships, pressure and manipulation online
You can also find a range of downloadable resources in a multitude of languages including videos, books, information sheets, and audio files, to help you start the chat about online safety issues and strategies with your child. For more information, follow the link here.
Why Banning Technology is the #1 Mistake Parents Make
Cyber Safety project
#1 Don’t ban technology Banning technology is a deterrent to open dialogue. Many young people might not reach out to a parent or trusted adult when an issue arises online because they fear being banned from technology. This can lead to them handling challenges alone, increasing their vulnerability to online risks. Showing kids how to use technology responsibly is more beneficial.
#2 Build trust by having open conversations Children need to understand reasons behind online safety rules, not just hear “be safe” repeatedly. Show kids you know about their digital world. Having knowledge helps kids engage with online safety conversations, rather than seeing rules as arbitrary restrictions imposed by adults who don’t understand their digital world.
#3 Play with your kids online Technology is here to stay. When parents play online games with their children, it can transform relationships. Even just 10 minutes of joining your child in their gaming world creates connection and natural teaching moments. Children don’t expect parents to be experts, but want confidence their parents would know how to help if something went wrong online.
One way to start the conversation as a family is to establish your own family digital use guidelines. The below template may help your family start this conversation.
