Wellbeing at TPS

Online Safety for Primary Kids: What Families Should Know

A major social media law is coming. From the 10th of December, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube will be required to take action to prevent children under 16 from accessing them.

This change won’t eliminate all online risks, but it does make it harder for younger kids to access social media.  Kids will still be able to view public content, so adult supervision remains crucial as the biggest risks aren’t “stranger danger”; they’re accidental exposure to inappropriate content, unmonitored chat, and sharing personal details without understanding.

For more information on the change, please follow the link below:

https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub 

Practical Tips from eSafety (for Primary-Age Children):

• Get engaged: eSafety recommends that parents stay involved in their child’s online life! Play games, browse apps together, and talk regularly about their online experiences. eSafety Commissioner+2eSafety Commissioner+2

   

• Communicate openly: Encourage your child to come to you if something online feels unsafe or strange

   

• Use parental controls: Set up controls on all devices (phones, laptops, consoles) to limit content access, messaging, and screen time. But remember, parental controls work best alongside active supervision!

   

• Build a “safety network”: eSafety suggests helping your child identify 3–5 trusted adults (family members, teachers) who they can talk to if something goes wrong.

   

• Use eSafety’s family resources: There are downloadable guides, conversation starters, videos, and even a “family tech agreement” on the eSafety website. eSafety Commissioner

   

Helpful Victorian eSafety Resources:

• eSafety Commissioner – Primary-age guides, family tech agreements, cyberbullying support. https://www.esafety.gov.au/ 
• Vic Department of Education – Digital Safety – Practical advice on safe device use in the home and school. schools.vic.gov.au
• Safe Socials (Vic) – Alerts to changes in mood, behaviour or online activity; advice for parents if you suspect bullying or unsafe contact. Victorian Government
• Raising Children Network https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/media-technology 

Additional wellbeing supports available for all TPS families

• Ballarat Health Service Access and Triage, or call 1300 094 187 for urgent mental health support
• Suicide Call Back Service, or call 1300 659 467 
• Lifeline, or call 13 11 14,  or Text 0477 13 11 14 
• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARNor call 13 92 76 
• Kids Helpline or call 1800 551 800 
• Beyond Blue or call 1300 224 636 
• Headspace or call 1800 650 890. Headspace also have online chat services that can be accessed at Online & phone support | headspace 
• Grief & Loss - The Trauma and Grief Network (TGN) (anu.edu.au)  
• Supporting primary school-age children through grief - Emerging Minds 
• How to support your family and yourself through grief and loss - Emerging Minds