Year 7 Workshop

Supporting young people to be safe, responsible and positive online is a key challenge for educators and parents alike.  Dom Phelan from the Optus Digital Thumbprint program was in the classroom on August 1st with our Year 7 students taking them through the fun and interactive workshop titled “Protecting your Personal Information”.

This is part of Epping Secondary’s commitment to becoming an eSmart school. 

Hackers, scammers, and fake friends can reach students via game chat and social media, there are some great digital defence moves that can help stop cyber criminals in their tracks.

This includes knowing how to create a strong password, updating devices regularly, turning your phone off for 5 minutes each day, installing anti-virus or security software on all devices, knowing how to identify scams, and having MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication).

Dom organised some engaging activities to test students’ passwords, check what information students would share and put some laminated posters around the room to see if students could identify scams. Dom also gave students strategies on what to do if they are scammed.

It is very important to be aware of these topics so that your child is prepared and supported to thrive in the digital world. 

There is a range of free, downloadable Digital Thumbprint Parent Conversation Guides for parents and carers that support you to have effective conversations around what young people should and shouldn’t share online, cyberbullying, and how digital technology can support effective study practices.

Please visit: www.digitalthumbprint.com.au/parent-resources

For more information on the program and each of the workshops you are encouraged to visit:  www.digitalthumbprint.com.au/

Leanne Halsall 

Student Wellbeing