Child Safety Officer

Guarding Young Hearts and Minds in the Digital World

Dear Families

School holidays have finished, and I pray that you were able to have an enjoyable time with your families. As I sit and reflect on the upcoming term, I am reminded of the privilege it is to teach your children and partner with you in their educational journey. We know that education is more than just academic achievements, we have a passion to serve and educate the whole person with Christ at the centre.

As a parent and educator, I have been pondering the importance of how we raise our children in a world that is fast growing in technology, and how easy it is for our children to access information. After the holidays, and the weather that we had in Tasmania, I understand that many children (including my own) may have spent more time on screens. Don't get me wrong, there are many benefits to technology, but we need to be proactive when our children have freedom to access technology. I read an article recently about Roblox. As we know, the gaming platform is used by millions of children each day, and many of our primary students talk about it. In the article, a young gamer stated, 'I have lost count of the times that I have had to report predatory behaviour on Roblox... But if you're talking about just in the last few months, maybe 20 to 50 times.' Interestingly, this number didn't astound me. As the Child Safety Officer, part of my job is to be educated on the online world. Here is some more information from the article:

11 million people from around the world, of all ages, log in to explore the 44 million experiences on Roblox daily.
Communication can be continued through external instant messaging apps such as Discord and WhatsApp.
Due to the Online Safety Act and Australia's new industry codes and standards, Roblox will now be heavily fined if it does not make its platform safer and ensure against instances of grooming and abuse.
Parents often think they have the parental controls set up correctly.
Parents and carers are urged to remain vigilant and actively support children in navigating online environments safely.

There are certain stories in the article that I deliberately didn't include due to its explicit content, however, if you would like to access the article please click: here.

The Bible says in Proverbs 4:23

"Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Our children are growing up in a world filled with information. Some of it is inspiring and educational, but much of it is not meant for young eyes or minds. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us of the importance of guarding our hearts, because what enters our minds shapes our thoughts, actions, and character.

As parents and educators, we have a shared responsibility to protect the hearts and minds of our children, especially when it comes to online content.

Here are some practical ways to help safeguard your child’s digital journey:

Use Parental Controls
Enable filters and restrictions on devices, apps, and browsers to block inappropriate content.
Create Open Dialogue
Talk regularly with your child about what they see online. Encourage questions and honest conversations.
Set Screen Time Boundaries
Establish clear limits for when and where devices can be used—especially before bed and during family time.
Model Healthy Digital Habits
Children learn by example. Show them how to use technology wisely and respectfully.
Know the Apps and Games
Stay informed about the platforms your child uses. Check age ratings and read reviews before allowing downloads.
Keep Devices in Shared Spaces
Keep devices in common areas of the home when an adult can hear and see the screen.

Let’s work together to ensure that what flows into our children’s hearts is pure, uplifting, and aligned with the values we hold dear. By being intentional and vigilant, we can help them grow into wise, compassionate and resilient individuals.

If you would like to talk further regarding this article, please reach out to us. We are more than happy to partner with you in this space.

Warm regards,

Cassie Miles

Co-Head of Primary Ulverstone Campus & Child Safety Officer