Cyber Safety & Bullying

Years 7-10 - Brainstorm Productions

In Week 6 Years 7-10 attended Brainstorm Production ‘The Flipside’ which addressed cyber safety and cyber bullying in schools. Based on a true story, students witnessed how the use of social media can go horribly wrong.  

When bullying and revenge are used to wield power, Jack and Ella realise they must create an ethical roadmap for the internet. When people post words or images, how will they be received? What will be the consequences?

The Flipside challenged student's perspectives on what's humorous, toxic, private, humiliating, informative, safe or appropriate. The performance provided strategies for positive, ethical communication online.

Increasingly mobile phones, iPads and other devices are playing a significant role (good and bad) in our children’s lives. Take a minute to think about the following questions:

1. How much time does your child spend on their device?
2. Do you know what they are uploading, sending and sharing?
3. Where are their devices at night?
4. What accounts do they have? Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram etc.

Some tips to help encourage positive behaviour and ensure your child is getting enough sleep:

1. Dock all devices at night in the kitchen or lounge room (parents included as it sends a positive message). If they need an alarm, buy them one.
2. Ask your child the question ‘what social media are you signed up to?’  Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram  – Age 13+
3. Talk about responsible use – Don’t say something on-line that you wouldn’t say face to face.
4. No devices at the dinner table, this is a good time to talk and debrief on the day.
5. Take some responsibility for your child’s mobile account, you can check how many phone calls are made and data used.
6. Set your Wifi restrictions/parent control to turn-off at bed-time.
7. Highlight the benefits of not using devices e.g. opportunity to be active, engage with family/friends in face to face conversations, improved sleeping patterns.

Huon Barrett

Head of PDHPE