Technology Update

On Monday 28th of July, BPS staff were lucky enough to have Sam from The Cyber Safety Project present at our staff meeting. The focus was on keeping our kids safe online.

Why Is Cybersafety So Important in Primary School?

From the first time children use a tablet or log in to a game like Roblox, they're stepping into a connected world. While digital tools offer incredible opportunities for learning, they also bring risks that children may not fully understand. That’s why cybersafety is a whole-school responsibility—from Prep to Year 6. It’s about growing good digital habits early, so students can become safe, kind and capable users of technology.

Who’s Helping Us Stay Safe?

eSafety Commissioner

The eSafety Commissioner is Australia's official online safety authority. Their Toolkit for Schools and age-appropriate lessons support teachers to embed cybersafety in everyday learning. This includes:- Videos and games for younger students (e.g. Mighty Heroes, Swoosh, Glide and Rule Number 5)- Real-world digital dilemmas for upper primary students- Parent support via webinars and advice for home device use

ACCCE (Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation)

Run by the AFP, ACCCE supports families and schools by raising awareness about online grooming and child exploitation. They highlight the importance of reporting suspicious online behaviour and starting conversations early—especially in Years 4–6 where online games and chats become common.

The Cyber Safety Project

Created by two Victorian primary school teachers, the Cyber Safety Project delivers classroom lessons, parent sessions, and teacher resources aligned to the Victorian Curriculum. Their materials range from Prep 'trusted adults' and 'online feelings' to Year 6 'personal identity online' and 'digital footprints.'

What About Games Like Roblox?

The Cyber Safety Project’s Parents’ Guide to Roblox breaks down the game’s features and risks. For parents and carers:- Use the parental controls to turn off chat and limit spending.- Encourage children to 'Play. Pause. Reflect.'—a strategy that helps them stop and think before clicking, chatting or sharing.- Talk regularly about who they’re playing with and what happens in games. Even Prep students can learn simple messages like: “If I feel funny in my tummy, I tell a grown-up.”“I don’t share my name, school or birthday online.” “I only chat with people I know in real life.”

What We’re Doing at School

We’re taking a consistent, age-appropriate approach across the school.

This includes:-

Prep–2: Learning who we can trust, what’s private, and how to ask for help

Years 3–4: Building awareness of digital footprints, recognising safe vs tricky situations, and learning how to be kind and fair online

Years 5–6: Understanding online identity, managing group chats and games, and exploring how to report or block unsafe content.

Our school uses a blend of Cyber Safety Project curriculum lessons, eSafety classroom activities, and ACCCE campaign resources.

What Families Can Do at Home

Watch a parent webinar together (via eSafety or the Cyber Safety Project) – we have access to the parent webinars that the Cyber Safety Project has been offering throughout the year.
Set device boundaries that match your child’s age and maturity
Role-play 'what if' scenarios (e.g. “What would you do if someone asked where you live?”)
Visit www.esafety.gov.au/parents for guides and conversation starters
Keep gaming and device use in shared family areas—not bedrooms

Let’s Work Together

Cybersafety isn’t a one-off lesson—it’s a lifelong skill. When schools and families work together, we help our children build confidence, courage and critical thinking online. Whether they're in Prep or Year 6, every child deserves to learn how to explore the digital world safely, kindly, and wisely.