Online Safety Information

Dear Parents,

Did you know that on average Australian Teens spends up to 14 hours per week online? And according to the e-Safety Commissioner, 4 out of every 10 Australian Teens have had unwanted contact online.

Only last week Queensland Health sent out a public health alert, due to the increase in mental health concerns for young people with direct links to social media.

The Auburn Wellbeing Team would like to emphasise to all Parents and Carers the importance of having regular conversations with their Young Person about their Online World and Online Safety. These days this means knowing more than which apps and gaming sites they use and if their accounts are set to ‘private.’ For example, you could ask them;

How do they meet people online, which accounts do they follow, if they blocked anyone and why, what information do they give out, if they have ever met up with anyone they met online, do they regularly chat with strangers when they game, which DM’s (direct messages) from unknown accounts do they reply to

Following your child’s lead and using a calm nonjudgmental nature is best.

While QLD Health has called for the age of access to social media to be increased to over 14, there are no such plans currently in Victoria. We know that all families manage technology differently but having a Tech Agreement/Rules that take into account your child’s age and developmental stage is a good starting point. Then allowing more independence as they show that they can manage healthy online interactions. Young people may go up and down this ‘freedom scale’ as they go through life. A common rule is that young people are not allowed their phones in the bedroom at night while other families may use parental controls to limit the time spent on social media. It’s worthwhile remembering that all interactions online become part of that young person’s ‘Digital Footprint’ which can impact their future.

A good place to start can be:

Including their ‘online world’ in regular chats
Have clear expectations around technology use and online safety
Upskill yourself about online platforms that your child uses so you are more informed as a parent

For more information:

For Parents: Encourage positive online behaviour | Social media and teenagers (reachout.com)

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

For Students https://www.esafety.gov.au/young-people

Tech agreement example for younger students – Why You Need to Get a Family Technology Agreement Happening | McAfee Blog

Digital Footprints - https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/what-is-a-digital-footprint

Emily Dawson, School Nurse

IDAHOBIT:

Throughout week 5 we celebrated IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia) as a day for our entire community to stand together in support of Diversity and Inclusion, and to oppose all forms of discrimination.

Why May 17? This date marks the anniversary of the World Health Organisation's removal of homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases in 1990, a pivotal moment in the recognition of LGBTQIA+ rights globally. It's crucial to remember that this significant step towards equality occurred just 33 years ago. Even more recently, as of 1997, being gay was still illegal in parts of Australia, and it wasn't until five years ago that same-sex marriage was recognised nationwide. While progress has been made, it's evident that LGBTQIA+ equity is an ongoing journey.

IDAHOBIT serves two main purposes; to celebrate the pride and allyship of those who have worked tirelessly for equality worldwide, and to raise awareness of the discrimination that LGBTQIA+ individuals still face today. Research conducted by La Trobe University reveals alarming statistics: two in three LGBTQIA+ youth experience harassment or abuse due to their identity. Furthermore, a study of nearly 7,000 LGBTQIA+ individuals of all ages in Australia found that one in three have experienced verbal abuse in the past year alone.

At Auburn High School, we are committed to creating a space where everyone belongs, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This commitment is deeply ingrained in our values of Diversity and Inclusion, championed by our principal, Ross Pritchard, and our dedicated staff. As we observe IDAHOBIT, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering LGBTQIA+ inclusion in our school community and create an inclusive environment extends beyond a single day. Throughout the year, we continue to actively work towards LGBTQIA+ inclusion, recognising that our efforts are essential in building a world free from discrimination.

Leah Rintoule

Student Wellbeing Coordinator and a proud member of the LGBTIQA+ community

Important Dates

May 2024