Online Safety
Technology is now an integral part of our daily lives. Our ability to communicate and connect via the internet has transformed how we live, work, and learn. Increasingly, children are using a wide range of devices and platforms to engage with the world around them. While this brings many benefits, it also exposes children to risks such as inappropriate content, harassment, and cyberbullying. Assist your children in identifying personally unknown or suspicious ‘friends’ on platforms such as Minecraft or Roblox. We want to teach our children to be alert to unknown people online, just as we would in an outdoor playground.
At school, our students are taught to use technology with safety and responsibility in mind. The eSafety Commission’s Cybersmart Hero program helps students develop essential skills to:
- Identify what cyberbullying is
- Use strategies to respond when they feel cyberbullied
- Recognise when and how to seek help
- Be a positive bystander in cyberbullying situations
Another growing concern is the danger posed by online strangers. Unlike in the past, when strangers were easier to identify in the physical world, the internet has made it easier for children to unknowingly interact with potentially harmful individuals.
The upcoming school holidays are a great opportunity for parents and carers to sit down with their children and review privacy settings on devices and apps. We encourage you to initiate conversations about online safety, respectful relationships, and responsible use of technology.
Social Media Minimum Age Update
Under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, age-restricted social media platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. This law will come into effect on 10 December 2025.
The eSafety Commission has provided regulatory guidance outlining principles and industry expectations to help platforms comply with this new requirement.
Access the e-safety commission
