"Mater Dei Matters"

Creating Digitally Responsible Citizens

Help your child achieve a healthy balance in their online and offline activities.

 

Striking the right balance between the virtual world and face-to-face activities is always hard. Many factors contribute to the kind of content your child may be consuming including their age, maturity level, interests, learning needs and family routine. 

 

Signs that your child’s online activity may be having a negative impact on them or on your family include: 

  • less interest in social activities like meeting friends or playing sport

  • not doing so well at school

  • tiredness, sleep disturbance, headaches, eye strain 

  • changes in eating patterns

  • reduced personal hygiene

  • obsession with particular websites or games

  • extreme anger when being asked to take a break from online activity

  • appearing anxious or irritable when away from the computer

  • becoming withdrawn from friends and family.

According to the eSafety Commissioner advice, ‘device-free zones and times can help you manage screen time.’ For example, setting clear boundaries that involve some of the following:

  • no devices in the bedroom for younger children
  • all screens off in bedrooms after a certain time for older children
  • all screens off at least one hour before planned bedtime
  • all family members switch off at dinner time
  • devices charged overnight in a place your child cannot access.

More information can be found here.

(eSafety Commissioner, 2025)

 

Canvas Parent App 

Parents/Carers can now view assignment submission content and feedback in the Assignment Details page of the Canvas Parent App. Feedback visibility includes the submissions rubric, comments, Lesson Outlines and annotations.

 

eSafety 101: how eSafety can help you

eSafety has a range of programs and resources that can help parents and carers build knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safer online experiences.

 

When: 21 May, 12.30pm

 

This 30-minute webinar introduces:

  • eSafety resources designed to help you start the conversation about online safety with your child

  • how to help children and young people thrive online with 5 top tips to keep your family safe online

  • how the eSafety Commissioner can help parents, children and young people that are experiencing online harms.

It’s suitable for parents and carers of children and young people in primary and secondary school. Register your interest here.

 

Canvas Learning Management System - Support for Parents and Carers

If you need more help understanding how to support your child with Canvas, please contact Mrs Courtney Freebody freebodyc@ww.catholic.edu.au to make an appointment either face-to-face or via Google Meet.

 

Mrs Courtney Freebody | Leader of Learning - Digital Technology and STEM