Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Canberra students benefit from learning protective behaviours to use online.
From TikTok to Discord and beyond, Canberra kids are logging into a whole lot of online platforms.
But how much do teachers and parents know about them?
ACT school leaders gathered recently to discuss the topic at an online safety education leadership summit.
Principals and deputy principals from across Canberra engaged with a panel of experts on keeping students safe online.
Working together on online safety
Kellie Britnell from the eSafety Commissioner says there has been a recent increase in reporting online safety incidents such as cyberbullying and sexual extortion.
“Cyberbullying has now been around for quite a while … but you couple that with some of the new technologies like we’re seeing with artificial intelligence and it’s all new, it’s not regulated and it’s not just in Australia,” Kellie said.
Kellie recommends a whole-of-school and whole-of-community approach to education, with consistent messaging.
“We have to be working with children and young people, staff and teachers, but also with families. We need to keep talking,” she said.
A principal’s perspective
Ainslie Primary School Principal Wendy Cave says schools must work with students to help them draw on protective behaviours, skills and strategies.
Educators – many of whom may not have grown up with such technology – need to be on the front foot.
“There’s such a lot that’s hidden in the online world and it’s important for us all to explore it, unpack it and work together to understand the risks and challenges and opportunities,” Wendy said.
Kellie Britnell, Manager, Awareness and Capability, eSafety Commissioner (left) and Wendy Cave, Principal of Ainslie Primary
What can parents do?
Parents unsure of their role in all this can access a wealth of resources on the eSafety Commissioner website.
It provides tips on helping children safely navigate the digital world and educating them to avoid harmful online experiences.
Core to this are three key strategies:
1. Be engaged, open and supportive
- Share online time as part of family life. Play games together. Talk about favourite apps, games or websites.
- Keep communication open.
- Reassure your child they can always come to you.
- Let them know you will not cut off internet access if they report feeling uncomfortable or unsafe when online – this is a real concern that may stop your child from communicating with you openly.
- If you notice a change in behaviour or mood, talk to your child about it. If you are concerned, consider seeking professional help – from your GP, a psychologist or school counsellor.
2. Set some rules
- Set age-appropriate rules for devices and online access, with consequences for breaking them.
- Get your child’s input.
- Consider creating a family tech agreement
- Model behaviour you would like to see.
3. Use technology and get information
- Take advantage of parental controls, based on your child’s age and experience.
- Choose apps and games carefully and visit the App Store or Google Play for age ratings and consumer advice.
Further resources
Learn more about online safety via the ACT Education Directorate.
Register to attend the directorate’s free online safety webinar series.
Learn about the latest platforms in the eSafety Commissioner’s eSafety guide.
Students can contact the ACT Children and Young People Commissioner.
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