Appropriate online behaviour

This week we wrote to students reminding them of appropriate conduct in the online space.

By now, our students will have realised that everything they do online contributes to their digital footprint or reputation and has been building up for a number of years.

Having an online presence can be fun and rewarding and is an excellent way to stay in touch with friends and family, play games with peers, shop for new things or simply catch up on your favourite shows.

And of course, posting updates and liking or commenting on posts is now as natural to most of us as breathing.

Unfortunately, and far too often of late, we have seen the devastating effects that negative comments, trolling, cyber bullying, sending nudes and sexting can have on students, their families and their communities.

This leaves staff, counsellors and police having to spend countless hours contacting parents and students, who are using the internet or mobile phones to deliberately and repeatedly engage in hostile behaviour towards another person.

It is important to know that in Victoria, there are laws that make it a crime to use a phone or the internet in a way that is menacing, harassing or offensive.

Remember that it is your responsibility to participate respectfully online. For more information on cyber-bullying or what constitutes offensive or illegal behaviour online, visit https://bullyingnoway.gov.au

Please contact Natalie Holt, Director of Students, or a member of the Wellbeing Team if you require any further advice.

Use of school devices

We also wrote to students regarding proper use of their school devices and their school email address:

Dear students,

Please be aware that there are some rules around how you use your school device and your webmail address, whether you are learning from home or on the school grounds.

Your school device and email is to be used for school purposes. As such, it is not acceptable to be creating social media accounts or signing in to gaming platforms with your TCC email account. These sites have been blocked by the school.

It is understandable that in our current climate, many of you are spending a large proportion of your time chatting with friends and using online platforms more consistently. Regardless of the device you use, it is more important than ever to be mindful of the information you share and how you interact online.

The following tips have been taken from the esafety commissioner website and are a useful guide:

• Use the internet in a way that doesn't harm others 
• Assume that nothing you share online is private
• Be aware of emotions before you post online
• Know how to report users and issues like cyberbullying
• Be aware of the impact that technology has on your health, environment and society

https://www.esafety.gov.au/educators/classroom-resources/young-and-esafe/responsibility 

For more support you can contact Kids Helpline or email our wellbeing officers, wellbeing@tcc.vic.edu.au

If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Take care and stay safe!

Natalie Holt, Director of Students