Oatlands Primary School Newsletter

Principal Report

STUDENT WELLBEING: TIPS AND ADVICE FOR PARENTS ON SAFE INTERNET USE

 

It’s been fantastic to see everyone back on site. The Principal Team at Oatlands have really enjoyed manning the gates before and after school. Seeing the look of excitement and happiness on the children’s faces has been priceless, especially on day one, after your children spent all that time away from school. A big thank you to all the parents for displaying and role modelling 4 of our 5 core values: Respect, Kindness, Resilience and Friendliness. Your cooperation dropping and picking up your children from school and the way you have respected our boundaries has been exceptional.

 

My focus in this newsletter article, is that I thought it would be a good opportunity to touch on Safe Internet Use.

 

During remote learning and with lock down procedures in place due to COVID-19, our children have been using the internet and online platforms not only for learning but to communicate with their extended family and friends, which is fantastic.

 

As children start to navigate the online world and interact with others more independently, they are more likely to be exposed to risks of bullying or unwanted contact, accidentally coming across inappropriate content or racking up bills through in-app purchases. Your guidance can help them be aware of the risks and understand what is expected of them. It will let them know that you are always there to support them. 

 

I’m confident in saying that as parents we all want:

  • Our children to stay safe online
  • Be aware that our children access apps, games and social media platforms appropriate to their age
  • Assist our children in dealing with cyberbullying- including how to block and report.

While our Digital Technology Team at Oatlands regularly visit Cyber-Safety during the children’s learning sessions and grade teachers re in-force this issue, I strongly recommend that all parents access and investigate the following websites https://www.esafety.gov.au/ or https://www.cybersafetyproject.com.au/blog with your children.

 

John Armao

Assistant Principal