Whole School Events
Proactive Policing Unit
As part of Internet Safety Week, Mackellar PS welcomed the Proactive Policing Unit last week to deliver a presentation to our grade 4 to 6 students about being safe online. The Proactive Policing Unit provides an evidence-based education program led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), delivered nationally in partnership with police and industry partners to prevent online child sexual exploitation. The program is pro-technology and addresses multiple topics, and importantly encourages help-seeking behaviour.
The police officers talked to our students about what young people SEE, SAY and DO online, including the challenges they may face and how to report and get help if things go wrong.
For further information and access to multiple resources for parents/carers, please visit the following site https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/resources-tab/parents-and-carers .
Here are some photos from the Proactive Policing Unit incursion:
Here are a selection of student reflections about the Proactive Policing Unit incursion:
Scarlett 4A
On Tuesday, two female police officers came to our school to teach us about staying safe online. I learnt that we should never talk to strangers online and that we shouldn’t trust people we don’t know because they might not be who they say they are. It was funny when one of the police officers pulled out her handcuffs and said that she was going to arrest some people. Overall, I loved the police visit and I learnt a lot. I hope they come again next year!
Elias 4A
The police came to our school to teach us about online safety. We learnt why it’s important not to talk to strangers online and looked at the age limits for many of the games children play. They also showed us a video that made it easier to understand the rules. Overall, it was really fun and I learnt a lot of information that will help me stay safe online.
Carmela 5A
I believe this police incursion was extremely helpful. I learnt a whole bunch of things about being safe online and what police officers do as part of their job. It was an unforgettable moment when I got to try on the police vest. We learned what to do if we are bullied online and the strategies we can use in uncomfortable or unsafe situations, such as blocking or reporting the person. Thanks police officers for coming and please visit again when I am in grade 6!
Emma 5A
This incursion was so much fun. I learnt about digital footprints, which are the pieces of information a person leaves on the internet. We watched a video about someone sharing all their personal details online, and now I understand how important it is to be careful. The police officer also told us that we should tell a trusted adult if we see something disturbing online.
Ellie 5B
I thought the incursion was informative and highly educational. I learnt that children need to be very careful when online because there may be people who want to find out personal information about us to trick us or to harm us. So, that's why we should never give people we don't know our name and address.
Katie 6A
Today at our incursion, we learnt how to stay safe online- at school and outside of school. I found it really helpful when the police officers explained what can happen if we make poor choices online. We should follow their advice so that we don’t put ourselves or our loved ones in danger. One of the police officers chose me to come out the front and put handcuffs on me. It was funny but a little embarrassing at the same time!
Jamie 6B
All of the Grade 4, 5 and 6 students had a great time with the police and learnt some very important tips about staying safe online. We also had the opportunity to ask questions not only about the internet, but also about the many interesting things police officers do as part of their job. Some students were even lucky enough to try out some of the police officers’ equipment.