Online Safety

As per our previous issues in the newsletter, we ask parents to familiarise themselves regarding Online Safety.

Staying connected online has never been more important, now that many of us are physically isolated from family members, friends, colleagues and support networks. The internet is a great way to socialise, learn, work, play and be entertained. But there are also risks. It is vitally important that parents monitor their child's online activities and have conversations with them around this.

For kids aged 5 to 12, it is important to:

• Keep the computer or device in an area of your home that can be supervised. And check in regularly with your child to see what they are viewing.
• Stay engaged with their online activity. If they agree, consider setting up your own accounts with the sites they use most so you can see how they work and understand the risks.
• Explore the online world with them to help establish that this is not just a solitary activity.
• Think about social media readiness. Most social media sites require users to be at least 13 years of age before they can register.
• Encourage respect and empathy. Teach them to avoid sharing or posting things that may upset others.
• Start building resilience. Teach your child that there are ways they can deal with material that worries or frightens them. This includes immediately telling you or another trusted adult of any concerns or uncomfortable material.
                                                                                                         (eSafety Commissioner 2020)

Please Note:

Currently it is being strongly recommended that children do not use Tik Tok or other social media platforms due to highly disturbing content which is being shared across different platforms. Social media companies are in the process or removing the content. 

Further Information for Parents and Carers from E-safety Commissioner