Digital Learning
Resources to support families and students to be safe and responsible digital citizens
Hello everyone,
It is hard to believe we are at the end of Term 3 already!
Due to camps and Bike Ed (plus some unexpected leave), our Term 3 eSafety lessons will be held at the start of Term 4. Term 4’s eSafety lessons will continue as planned later in the term.
This week, we want to share some helpful information about using online chats—the platforms where our students text, video-call, or message friends and family. These digital tools can be fun and handy, but it's important to be aware of both the good and the not-so-good sides. Many of our Willy Kids use some version of online chats and video calls. The benefits and downsides of these are discussed at age-appropriate levels throughout the year and on a needs basis.
Below are some helpful tips from the eSafety Commissioner.
The Good Stuff – Why Online Chats Can Be Great
Staying connected
Online chat and video chat let us easily keep in touch with family and friends—near or far—without worrying about phone costs. Video chats can feel more personal because you can see each other’s faces and reactions instantly.
Group fun and learning together
Some services let you chat with several people at once, making group learning or friend hangouts super easy. Video chats are also great for school, letting students join classes or study groups even when they’re at home.
Sharpening digital skills
Using games or apps with chat functions builds digital know-how. It can help with things like typing, sharing ideas, and working together online.
Being part of a team (even in games!)
In online gaming, voice and video chats let kids strategise and cooperate with teammates in real time. It adds fun and teamwork to the game.
What to Watch Out For – The Risks of Online Chats
Mean or harmful messages (cyberbullying)
Sometimes chatting online can lead to upsetting words or behaviour. Sadly, kids may experience bullying or hurtful comments from others—sometimes even from strangers.
Unwanted or stranger contact
It's possible to be contacted by someone you don’t know—sometimes this can be harmless, but it can also be uncomfortable or unsafe. When someone you don't know messages you, it’s a good idea to be cautious.
Sharing personal information unknowingly
Some chats can be public, and in video chats, your background might show where you live or play. Always think before sharing, and check your privacy settings first.
Image-based abuse & sextortion
If a screenshot or image from a chat is shared without permission, it can lead to serious issues like embarrassment or blackmail. Never send images you don’t want the world to see.
Anonymous chat dangers
Apps that randomly connect users anonymously (like some old platforms) can expose children to adult strangers, inappropriate content, or even grooming. These apps often lack safety checks and can be risky.
Seeing harmful or hateful content
Kids often encounter harmful things online—such as hateful language, violent scenes, or unsafe challenges. Many of these appear on social or chat platforms
How we can be eSMART about online chats – Tips for Parents
Talk and check in regularly
Ask your child who they chat with. Encourage them to share if anything makes them uneasy. Be a safe person to talk to.
Use parental controls and privacy settings
Tools like device restrictions or apps such as Family Link or Screen Time can help manage what kids can access. Make sure chat apps have reporting and blocking options enabled.
Set clear rules together
Discuss what kind of chatting is allowed—who they can chat with, when, and what they can share. Agree on safe chat times and what to do if something doesn't feel right.
Recognise warning signs
Talk about signs of unsafe chats—like someone asking too many personal questions, demanding photos, or pressuring secrecy. These could signal danger.
Build their confidence to report or block
Teach kids how to block or report someone, and let them know it's okay to talk to a trusted adult if something doesn’t feel safe.
Link to a more detailed article
Warm regards,
Steven Puhar
Apps List 2025
WPS Digital Online Learning Statement
Digital Statement
Williamstown Primary School acknowledges the recent Human Rights Watch report on Edutech in privacy violations and findings.
Williamstown Primary works closely with the DET’s Digital Learning and privacy teams to ensure that all DET guidelines regarding the implementation of digital devices are followed.
Attached is the school’s digital statement outlining the online platforms and their privacy policies that the school uses on a day-to-day basis.
As part of the school’s ongoing student education, the school will further enhance key understandings around user privacy, as well as the tools available on selected devices.
This will be embedded within the current school’s eSafety program that currently sees students undertake numerous digital workshops run by both school leadership, classroom teachers and external providers such as the Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s eSmart organisation.
Parents are advised of a key iPad feature to turn tracking off. This feature will be explicitly demonstrated to students within the school-based workshops.
Go to Settings > Privacy > Tracking.
The list shows the apps that requested permission to track you. You can turn permission on or off for any app on the list.
To stop all apps from asking permission to track you, turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track (at the top of the screen).
Williamstown Primary Digital Information
Below is a link to the schools Digital Learning page. This page contains key information about the school's implementation of the digital technology curriculum as a tool within a blended learning environment.
JB HiFi Digital Purchase Portal 2025/2026
The JB HiFi purchase portal is again available for Willy PS families. The schools recommended minimum specification device is the iPad Gen 9, but the portal does also offer a range of iPad models and accessories. Although students have access to bluetooth keyboards we also recommend the Smart Keyboard or a 3rd party keyboard incorporated within the cover. This accessory will add value to the users experience.
Please also note the change in School Code.
Although the portal is set up through JB HI-FI on behalf of the school, we encourage families to explore all purchase options.
Further GoogleSuite for Education Information
Please find attached documents released by DET.
The first document gives a deeper understanding of the DET licences G Suite for Education, how it is set up and how it differs from the public Google platform.
The second document provides families with supporting resources on how to protect individuals privacy online.
The Department of Education information pack for parents is available from the following link: