Welfare
eSafety
We have been recently been made aware of some apps that students are using which are deemed as unsafe, putting them at great risk of perpetrators. These apps are ‘meetyou.me.kids’, ‘meetyou.me’ and ‘omegle’. These apps are web-based online chat services which allow users to chat and share media files without the people registering, they encourage people to speak to strangers. Advice from the Police Youth Resource Officers is that these apps should not be used by anyone, let alone young people. The best way to think about these apps is having the analogy of your child wandering around the MCG, with a blindfold on and them going up and talking to someone, telling them their name, where they live, their school etc. If you wouldn’t be okay with them doing this, please ensure they do not do it over the internet. Sadly the world is full of people who may bring harm and we need to minimise the risk as much as possible.
The eSafety commission online has a range of resources for parents and carers to help keep children safe online. Their ‘are they old enough?’ page provides advice for parents and carers on the suitability of devices and online content for children, including risks associated with anonymous communication and content sharing.
Their eSafety guide also provides support and guidance on how children can be protected when using common social media, games, apps and sites.
They encourage parents and carers to take part in their eSafety webinar setting your child up online, which includes conversations about tech and online interaction, putting boundaries and rules in place, using parental controls and monitoring your child online.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us.
Mortlake College Wellbeing Team.
GASTRO
We have been notified of several cases of gastro in our student population this week. Please keep your child at home if they show any signs of nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. The exclusion time from school is 48 hours (2 school days). Please see attached information from the Department of Health
Families Experiencing Financial Pressures
Take a look at the link below and find the resources you need to give you a helping hand.
Put your postcode in to see the organisations within your area.
Also a reminder that you can access the Power Saving Bonus Program - get $250 off your electrical bill.
https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/psb-faq
