A message from     

 the Principal

Dear Parents,

In early May we had an incident on a school bus where a number of students used their phones to film an incident that was then shared on a number of social media platforms. In an increasingly digital world, it is crucial that we work together to ensure our children's well-being and security online. To help all parents and carers in this space I have gathered the best five points from the eSafety Commissioner's website (https://www.esafety.gov.au/) to guide you as parents in promoting a safe online environment for your children.

1. Encourage Open Communication: Establishing open and honest communication with your child is vital. Encourage them to share their online experiences, both positive and negative, without fear of judgment or punishment. By creating a safe space for dialogue, you can gain insight into their online activities and address any concerns promptly.

2. Set Age-Appropriate Boundaries: Every child develops at their own pace, and it's important to set age-appropriate boundaries when it comes to their online interactions. This includes determining suitable age limits for social media platforms, gaming, and other online activities. Familiarize yourself with the recommended age restrictions provided by websites and applications to ensure your child's safety.

3. Teach Digital Literacy Skills: Empower your child with the necessary digital literacy skills to navigate the online world responsibly. Educate them about online privacy, the importance of strong passwords, recognizing and avoiding scams or phishing attempts, and understanding the consequences of sharing personal information online. Equipping them with these skills will enable them to make informed decisions and protect their digital footprint.

4. Implement Parental Controls and Filtering: Utilize parental control tools and content filters to manage and monitor your child's online activities. These tools can help restrict access to inappropriate content, manage screen time, and track your child's online behaviour. Regularly review and update these settings to ensure they align with your child's age and maturity.

5. Foster Good Online Behaviour: Promote respectful and responsible online behaviour by setting a positive example yourself. Teach your child about the impact of their actions online and encourage empathy and kindness towards others. Emphasize the importance of being mindful of what they share, considering the potential consequences, and treating others with respect, both in-person and online.

By implementing these five key points, you can play an active role in safeguarding your child's online experiences. Remember, your involvement and support are crucial in guiding them towards responsible digital citizenship.

If you would like to further explore online safety resources, we encourage you to visit the eSafety Commissioner's website (https://www.esafety.gov.au/ ), which provides valuable information, advice, and tools for parents, educators, and young people.

Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment for our students.

Regards,

Simon McKinney

Executive Principal