Click Smart. Think Sharp. Stay Safe.

Overview of each Inform & Empower Term 3 session per level:

As we continue to take part in our Inform & Empower sessions, a reminder to please ensure you take some time to read over the Termly newsletter flyer that teachers send out after they have attended their Termly session. 

The termly newsletters for Term 3 can be located here:

😊 PREP: Screen Time Superstars

This term, students explored how to use screens in positive and purposeful ways.

• Screens can be used to create, connect and learn, not just watch.
• The internet can be like a busy city - there are lots to see, but not everything is safe or suitable for us.
• It is important to stop and seek help when something online feels confusing or unsafe.
• Trusted adults can include family members, teachers and other safe grown-ups.
• Trusted adults listen, believe, help and keep us safe.

***We encourage you to talk with your child/children about: 

• Who are your trusted adults, and how can they help keep you safe online?

😊 Year 1/2: Ollie Online 

This term, students explored how to stay safe, aware and clever when using technology and the internet.

• Protect personal information: Don’t share full names, addresses, passwords, photos or information about family members online.
• Not everyone is who they say they are: Online, we can’t always know who is behind a username or profile.
• Talk to a trusted adult: If something online feels unsafe or uncomfortable, children should seek help from a trusted adult.
• Balance screen and “green” time: Encourage a healthy balance between screen activities and play, exercise, reading and time outdoors.
• Screen-free before bed: Students learned that finishing screen time before bedtime can help make it easier to settle for sleep.
• Make good choices: Encourage children to pause, think and check with a trusted adult before sharing information online.

The key message of this term was: Be aware, be clever, be brave and be kind online.

*** We encourage you to relook at the following song with your child/children: 

😊Year 3/4: Adventures Online

This term, students explored how to be safe, kind and responsible online.

• Be an upstander: Support others when you see unkind behaviour online.
• Don’t join the pile-on: Avoid liking, sharing or contributing to hurtful comments.
• Speak up: Encourage children to talk to a trusted adult if something online makes them uncomfortable.
• Block & report: Use the tools available on apps and games when needed.
• Ask before sharing: Teach children to seek consent before sharing photos or information about others.
• Be brave and kind: Small actions, such as checking in with someone who is upset, can make a big difference.

***We encourage you to talk with your child/children about: 

• Being brave. Being kind. Choosing help instead.

😊Year 5/6: Thrive Online

Students explored how to stay safe, kind and brave online. Key learning included:

• Online actions can have real-world consequences, just like actions offline.
• There is a difference between snitching and help-seeking—speaking up to keep someone safe is brave.
• We can be an upstander by not joining in, calling out unkind behaviour, changing the conversation, supporting the targeted person and reporting harmful content.
• Practical strategies included taking screenshots, blocking, muting, reporting and speaking with a trusted adult.
• Consent must be clear, specific and given before sharing a photo, video or message.

• The session encouraged students to pause and think: Could this hurt someone? Could this become bigger than I intended?

   

***** Students were reminded that Kids Helpline is available on 1800 55 1800 or at kidshelpline.com.au, anytime and for any reason.

What can we do at home to follow up our child’s learning?

✅Prep: My Trusted Adult Hand

With a family member, students trace around one hand and complete the following:

• On each finger, draw or write the name of a trusted adult.
• In the palm, draw one way they can use a screen to create, connect or learn.
• Around the hand, write or draw one thing they should do if something online feels confusing or unsafe.

Discuss: Who are your trusted adults, and how can they help keep you safe online?

✅Year 1/2: My Safe Online Hand

With a family member, students create a drawing of a hand with five fingers. On each finger, they write or draw:

• One trusted adult they can talk to.
• One piece of information they should keep private.
• One way to balance screen time with “green time”.
• One activity they can do before bed instead of using a screen.
• One safe and kind online choice.

✅Year 3/4: Be an Upstander

Students discuss this scenario with a family member:

You notice people in a group chat sharing unkind comments about another student.

Discuss ways they could be an upstander, such as:

• Not liking, sharing or joining the pile-on.
• Sending a kind message to the person being targeted.

✅Year 5/6: Digital Dilemma Action Plan

Students choose a fictional online situation, such as a hurtful group chat, a rumour being shared or a photo posted without permission. With a family member, create an action plan by discussing:

• What is happening?
• Who might be affected?
• What could a bystander do?
• How could someone be an upstander?
• When would help-seeking be needed?
• What practical steps could be taken - screenshot, block, mute, report or speak to a trusted adult?
• Was consent given clearly and before sharing?

💻~ Natalie Librizzi: Digital Technology Coordinator ~💻