Student Support and Wellbeing

Safer Internet Day

On Tuesday 10th of February Lakes Entrance Secondary College celebrated Safer Internet Day. 

Safer Internet Day is a global day of action that brings together communities, schools, organisations and families from 180 countries to raise awareness of online safety issues and work towards a safer internet.

Safer Internet Day is an opportunity to take a moment to talk about what’s really happening online, and think about what we can each do to make it better.

Because when we each do something small – whether that’s starting a conversation, sharing a tip or changing a habit – we make a big difference to everyone’s online experience.

We focused on these top 5 tips everyone can follow to help make the internet a safer, more positive place for all.

1. Be kind- Show empathy, respect and kindness in every online interaction.
2. Balance time online- Make space for offline connection, rest and reflection.
3. Speak up- Report online abuse and harmful content to eSafety.
4. Protect your space- Use privacy settings, strong passwords or parental controls to keep you and your kids safe online.

5. Start the conversation- Talk about online safety with your networks - family, friends, colleagues, communities.

    

Students were invited to complete a short survey that encouraged them to think about their online safety, as well as their rights and responsibilities. They were then encouraged to engage in some conversation starters, and make a poster to raise awareness of this important day.

Those who participated went into a raffle to win a canteen voucher; Sarah McDonald was the proud recipient of this voucher. Thank you to everyone who helped start the conversation, and ultimately create a safer online experience for all.

Pictured below are Sarah McDonald (raffle winner), Gwen Ross (Youth Worker, and Kate Bire (Secondary School Nurse).

Be Ahead of the Game

On 23 February, the Community Engagement Team from Latrobe Community Health Services will be attending Lakes Entrance Secondary College to present the Be Ahead of the Game Program. The program will be presented to all year levels at varying times throughout the day.

Be Ahead of the Game is a school education program to help young people understand the risks associated with gambling and gaming.

Drawing on the latest research into young people’s participation in, and attitudes towards, gambling and gaming, the program helps young people think critically about the current marketing and technology landscape that is making gambling increasingly visible, enticing, and accessible to young people.

The whole-of-school approach of Be Ahead of the Game empowers teachers, parents, carers, and students to better understand the issues and support each other.

Katelyn Bire - School Nurse 

Gwen Ross - Youth Worker