Great Ryrie Grapevine

Chaplain’s Spot

Cyber Wisdom

Child friendly vs  ‘Don’t go there’

Everything is different to when I was growing up. Computers – what are they? We mostly played outside, enjoyed nature, rode bikes, spent hours with our friends in safe places.

The average person these days apparently spends about 2 hours on social media. When I was young, we spent time with our friends face-to-face, called them on the phone, or sent a letter. The above pictures show the older, simpler times, with the Tick Tock biscuits, compared to the TikTok phone app, which [if you didn’t know] is legally only for those who are 13 years or older. This is the same for Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. There are very good reasons for these laws – to protect kids!

 

Check out the esafety website Homepage | eSafety Commissioner to get some helpful background for these laws. Children can become vulnerable to people who have ulterior motives. Unfortunately they don’t usually distinguish between real friends, [you know, those you actually know and trust] and fake friends, who don’t have your child’s best interests at heart.

Safe websites: YouTube Kids, Kiddle, FactMonster, BBC Kids, Kidtopia

Not for kids: Snapchat, TikTok, Kik Messenger, Tinder, Instagram, Omegle, Tumblr, Be Real

 

What Parents Can Do to Keep Their Kids Safe Online

  • Keep your children’s computer in a common area of the home to monitor their Internet activity.
  • Check your child’s browser history frequently.
  • Use security software or tools.
  • Activate privacy features through your browser or internet service provider.
  • Know what other computers or devices your child is using.
  • Know your children’s passwords.

Susan McLean is Australia’s foremost experts in cyber safety. Check out her website for helpful resources in keeping our children safe on the internet.  https://www.cybersafetysolutions.com.au/

Quote for the week: “Passwords are like underwear: don’t let people see it, change it very often, and you shouldn’t share it with strangers.” – Chris Pirillo

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After I had shared about ‘The Power of Yet’ at assembly, one of the girls showed me something she had created for herself. I was very impressed. ‘I can’t do it “Yet”. But I can always try’. Well done Grace. 

Reminders:

# MealTrain roster: If you like to prepare a meal for a needy GRPS family , please go to the following link. The first few meals have been greatly appreciated by those who received them. Vacant spots are available for September 12, and all of Term 4. Thanks everyone. 

The link for the rest of the year dates is: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/vlwooz

 

# Thanks also to the Toast Tuesday volunteers. Our roster is filled until September 6, so the last week of term is still free. The link to sign up is volunteersignup.org/EPBHR

October dates are also open - volunteersignup.org/FFW9P.

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Please feel free to contact me via Compass, or at school, if there is anything you would like to discuss. I am here to support our school community with whatever is challenging us.

 

Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Monday, Tuesday, Friday]

[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au] Supporting the School community in emotional, social, spiritual and practical wellbeing. The Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government, donations and GRPS School Council.