Digital Technologies
Our commitment to the responsible use of digital technology
At HEPS, we are committed to building a culture of respect and responsibility. We show this in the way we use technology and interact online. We teach our students about responsible digital behaviours, including how to recognise and respond to online dangers and threats. We support students to develop the digital skills they need to make a positive impact in the world. We are intentional and discerning about our integration of digital tools into the curriculum, providing rich, interactive and personalised experiences, while ensuring a balance with offline learning opportunities.
Learning about technology and its impacts doesn’t stop at the school gate. Below are our suggestions for ways you can support your children to responsibly use digital technology.
Establish clear routines
- Talk to your child about expectations including when, where, and how digital devices can be used at home, ensuring these rules are age-appropriate and consistent. These can include:
- Requiring devices to be used in a common area, such as a living room or kitchen
- Setting up a specific area for charging devices overnight, away from bedrooms, to promote better sleep hygiene.
- Be present when your child is using digital devices, especially for younger children who may not yet understand online risks.
Restrict inappropriate content
- Use built-in parental controls on devices and apps to help manage their device access and restrict inappropriate content, including apps and websites that are not suitable for their age group.
- Consider restricting the use of non-educational apps and apps with addictive game mechanics (e.g. rewards, badges, limited exit options).
Talk about online safety
- Talk with your child about the importance of protecting personal information and recognising online scams.
- Encourage your child to talk to you or another trusted adult if they feel unsafe online.
Model responsible and balanced technology use
- Encourage a healthy balance between screen time and offline activities, especially outdoor unstructured play and time with friends and family, face-to-face. *
- Demonstrate responsible and balanced tech use in your own daily routine to set a good example for your child.
Model responsible and balanced technology use
- Encourage a healthy balance between screen time and offline activities, especially outdoor unstructured play and time with friends and family, face-to-face. *
- Demonstrate responsible and balanced tech use in your own daily routine to set a good example for your child.
*Australia’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines include the following recommendations for children between 5-17 years-old regarding sedentary recreational screen time:
- no more than 2 hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day
- avoiding screen time 1 hour before sleep
- keeping screens out of the bedroom.
Source: Australia’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines, https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-children-and-young-people-5-to-17-years.
Support for parents and carers
To learn more about how to support the safe, intentional and responsible use of digital technologies at home, the eSafety Commissioner provides resources for parents, and outlines available counselling and support services.
Chromebook program-Grade 5 in 2026
To support our commitment to child safety and the integration of digital technologies, all students from Year 5 will have access to a school supplied Chromebook. These devices will be school managed and owned, ensuring that all students can safely and effectively engage with digital learning tools.
The success of this program relies on the support of parent contributions. These contributions help cover the costs of device leasing, maintenance, and technical support, allowing the school to provide every level 5 student with a reliable and fully managed Chromebook. Your support ensures that all students can benefit equally from consistent access to technology, both in the classroom and at home.
Chromebooks will be distributed to students during the final week of Term 4, following receipt of the 2026 Chromebook Contribution. For students who have not made the 2026 Chromebook Contribution, a shared, school only Chromebook will be available for use during class time.
Next week, children in Grades 4 and 5 will bring home an Acceptable Use Agreement which is to be completed by both students and their parents/carers. It is an opportunity to discuss being a responsible digital citizen and the role we all play.