Social Media and staying safe online 

This week we have been privileged to have Susam McLean, an Australian expert in the area of Cyber safety, present to students, staff and parents about Cyber Safety. Susan was a member of the Victorian Police for 27 years and was the first Victorian Police Officer appointed to a position involving Cyber safety and Young people.  

In her presentation, Susan discussed with the students the importance of: Keeping Safe in  the Cyberspace, Cyberbully, Online Predators and How to look after Myself Online.

Susan discussed the concerns of Social Media with the students and how these 13+ platforms can cause unnecessary stress on our children which could develop into mental health concerns.

This  week's SchoolTV focuses on Social Media and how to support parents and carers in this forever changing digital world. 

For  Susan McLean information please visit: Cyber Safety Solutions https://www.cybersafetysolutions.com.au/

For Cyber Safety information and reporting please visit:  E Safety Commissioner - https://www.esafety.gov.au/

For Mental Health information please visit: Be You/ Beyond Blue  https://beyou.edu.au/ 

In this edition of SchoolTV - Social Media & Digital Reputation

Social media has become such an integral part of a teenager’s life. However, many miss out on some critical social skills with most communicating whilst looking at a screen instead of another person! Statistics show that 60 per cent of 10-11 year olds are using at least one social media site, with the majority using age-restricted platforms. What kids do, post and say online is permanent and most are not mature enough to manage their own digital footprint. Friendships, relationships and even future job prospects are all put at risk.

Parents need to be aware of what picture their children are painting of themselves online. Unfortunately, many parents do not see the dangers inherent of these sites, as they form opinions based on their own experience. But predators are usually not interested in grooming adults. Over the years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of primary schoolers owning mobile phones, highlighting the importance to teach kids about the dangers of social media and the implications it can have.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn how to talk to their children about the inherent dangers of social media and how to educate their kids to be responsible users in the online world we live in.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback.

Here is the link to the Social Media & Digital Reputation edition of SchoolTV
https://stclaresofficer.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/social-media-and-digital-reputation

Liz Hunt

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader