Wellbeing Report
It’s an online world! Where can you find help?
One of the most concerning things about parenting these days is navigating the online world. Today we have access to, and are accessible to, many millions of people worldwide via the vast array of websites, applications and online games. Internet and mobile phone technology is fabulous and provides us with the ability to connect with people all around the world. We can explore and learn about the world like never before.
Kids’ technical skills are superb. Adults today cannot even aspire to the level of technical knowledge inherent in today’s kids, but we do know that this skill is not matched by cognitive development. Nothing we do can ‘put an old head on young shoulders’ and the ability to perceive risk, and foresee consequences is limited.
Kids need to appreciate and accept that just as in the real world, there are dangers in cyberspace. Parents need to teach kids that cyberspace is permanent. Everything that they write, post and send can be traced and will remain there forever.
Today’s parents grew up in a world devoid of these technologies. They often have little knowledge on how best to assist and guide them.
We have good news though, as there is a vast array of easily accessible information to assist parents in this area. Two fantastic websites we can recommend to you are the eSafety Commissioner website and CyberSafety Solutions. Both websites have easily accessible parent information fact sheets, videos and the most current research and information. Have a look – you will be amazed at the information available!
http://www.cybersafetysolutions.com.au/
And of course there is also our Nazareth SchoolTV parent wellbeing website, with many fantastic articles, videos and links from experts in this field.
https://nazareth.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/social-media-and-digital-reputation
Next year our younger students will participate, during their extended pastoral sessions, in the eSmart Digital Licence program, to educate them about cybersafety.
As always, if you have any specific concerns about your child, please do not hesitate to contact their Pastoral Teacher, Head of House or one of us on the Wellbeing team. We are here to support both you and your child.
Ms Jackie Kol and Ms Mirella Venturini
Wellbeing Co Directors