Student Engagement

Supporting Our Children Online: Safety, Wellbeing and Connection

At Sacred Heart, our commitment to student wellbeing extends beyond the classroom and into the online spaces our children navigate each day. Grounded in our shared belief in the dignity of each child and the importance of respectful relationships, we continue to support students to make safe, responsible, and kind choices, both offline and online.

As part of our whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing (including our MHiPS work and URSTRONG), we recognise that the online world is a significant part of our students’ social lives. Supporting them in this space requires a strong partnership between school and home.

We would like to share two trusted resources that can support families in this area:

The eSafety Commissioner (www.esafety.gov.au)The eSafety Commissioner provides practical, up-to-date advice to help families navigate the online world with confidence. The website offers:

• Parent guides on popular apps, games, and social media platforms
• Advice on managing screen time and setting family expectations
• Strategies for responding to online challenges such as cyberbullying or inappropriate content
• Conversation starters to support open, ongoing dialogue with your child

This resource aligns strongly with our work at school, particularly in building students’ awareness, responsibility, and capacity to engage positively with others.

Kids Helpline (www.kidshelpline.com.au | 1800 55 1800)Kids Helpline is a free, confidential counselling service available 24/7 for children and young people aged 5–25. Students can access support via phone, webchat, or email for a range of concerns, including friendships, worries, or online experiences.

Encouraging children to seek support, whether from a trusted adult or a service like Kids Helpline, helps reinforce an important message: they are not alone, and their voice matters.

At school, we continue to explicitly teach and model positive relationship skills, including how to navigate challenges, both in person and online. We encourage families to build on this at home through open, curious, and non-judgemental conversations.

If you have any concerns or would like support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, through strong relationships and shared understanding, we can continue to nurture safe, connected, and respectful communities for our children.

The Student Engagement Team