Student Wellbeing 

Safety Online

It happens regularly that we are contacted by a concerned parent or carer who informs us of problems that have occurred online during evenings, weekends and holidays. 

This week we have been contacted by a parent concerned about groups of students using Zoom sessions, outside of school hours, to access and share inappropriate sites. 

We provide cyber-safety education to all students and provide individual guidance and counselling specifically to at risk children around this issue, however we cannot do this alone.

I urge you as a parent or carer to monitor closely the communications your child is having online and provide supervision and/or restricted access to social media.

The tragedy that happened to Dolly Everett, a 14 year girl who was subjected to online bullying and took her own life in 2018, has been widely publicised. I draw your attention to Point 8 on this link.

“8. Set up parental controls. Monitor your child’s online activities, both formally and informally. Install software or apps on their laptop, tablet or phone and routinely and randomly check their devices to see what they are doing – at least until you’re sure they can be trusted.”

https://dollysdream.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/DD_Ten-tips-if-your-child-is-the-bully_v2.pdf

Other resources that may help you manage your child’s online activity:

• www.dollysdream.org.au
• www.kidshelp.com.au/teens/issues/cyberbullying
• www.esafety.gov.au/complaints-and-reporting/cyberbullying-complaints/i-want-to-report-cyberbullying
• https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/WhatIsBullying/FactsAndFigures/Pages/FAQs-Students.aspx

Internet safety apps

• https://www.familyzone.com/au/#fzvideos/0/
• https://www.parents.com/kids/safety/internet/best-apps-prevent-cyberbullying/

Please reach out if you require further support or information.

Colin Simpson

Assistant Principal

Wellbeing