In today's digital age, where technology is an integral part of our daily lives, the need for students and families to be aware of cyber safety services cannot be emphasised enough. With an increasing number of children and teenagers spending a significant portion of their time online, the importance of safeguarding their digital well-being has never been more crucial. Organisations like eSafetyand Queensland Police Service (QPS) - ThinkUKnow, operating in Australia, play a pivotal role in ensuring that students and their families have access to valuable resources and guidance to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
eSafety
eSafety, with its mission to "Help Australians have safer and more positive experiences online," offers a wide range of services and resources aimed at empowering both parents and students. It provides valuable advice for parents on how to understand and manage the digital lives of their children. For students, it offers essential insights into online safety, including guidelines on recognizing and avoiding cyberbullying, which has become a growing concern in the digital landscape. The eSafety website,
eSafety, is a one-stop hub for individuals seeking information and assistance in safeguarding themselves and their families online.
One of the most significant reasons for students and families to be aware of
eSafety's services is the need to stay informed and equipped with the latest strategies to protect against online threats. The digital realm is constantly evolving, and with it, new challenges and risks emerge. Students are particularly vulnerable, as they are often more tech-savvy than their parents but lack the experience to recognize potential dangers.
eSafety's resources provide families with the knowledge and tools necessary to address these issues effectively, thereby fostering a safer and more positive online environment for everyone. In an age where online interactions are an integral part of education, socialization, and entertainment, eSafety's services are an indispensable resource for ensuring the well-being of Australian students and their families.
ThinkUKnow
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) -
ThinkUKnow program is
an initiative tailored for parents and carers, serving as an invaluable resource in this endeavour. Recognising the pivotal role guardians play in safeguarding their young people, the program offers an array of educational materials and activities aimed at empowering families to address online safety challenges effectively. Whether through informative fact sheets, engaging home learning activities, or school presentations, ThinkUKnow ensures that everyone receives consistent and vital information regarding online child sexual exploitation.
As a school committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals, we are proud to support these initiatives that prioritise the holistic safety and development of our students. Together, let's empower our children to navigate the online world with confidence and resilience.
The links below provide sources of advice
and support for parents/carers, children and young people.
Lifeline
Nationwide crisis support and suicide prevention services (phone 13 11 14 or
www.lifeline.org.au)
eheadspace
Free online and telephone support and counselling to young people aged 12–25
(phone 1800 650 890 or
www.headspace.org.au)
Parentline
Support, counselling and education to parents and carers of children in Queensland and the Northern
Territory (phone 1300 301 300 or
www.parentline.com.au)
As the role of the internet in education continues to grow, ensuring that students have access to safe and suitable online content is of paramount importance.
All Queensland state schools have a web filtering system – it is used on school computers and on the laptops that are issued to students.
How Does Web Filtering Operate?
Web filtering is a mechanism that prevents students from accessing websites and engaging in activities that are considered inappropriate. Its purpose is to safeguard students from:
- Inappropriate web content
- Spyware and malware
- Insecure instant messaging
- Peer-to-peer sessions
- Scams and identity theft
Whenever students attempt to visit a website using a school device, whether at school or at home, our filtering system automatically evaluates the content. Based on this evaluation, the website is either made accessible or blocked.
While web filtering is a valuable tool, it should not be viewed as a replacement for parental supervision.
Web Filtering in School and at Home
In the school environment, students are restricted from accessing websites such as:
- Social networking sites like Facebook
- Open or mixed content platforms like YouTube
- Chat sites like imo.im
- Internet telephony services like Skype
- Media sharing platforms like Flickr
Web filtering is less restrictive when students use their school-issued laptops at home.
At home, students have access to:
- Blogs and personal websites
- Chat and instant messaging services like imo.im
- Internet telephony services like Skype
- Media sharing platforms like Flickr
- File storage and online sharing services like Dropbox
- Software downloads
Web Filtering Options for Students
Our web filtering system offers two levels: high (more restrictive) and medium (less restrictive). While students are automatically subject to the high level of filtering while at school, they can access the medium level at home only with the consent of both their school and their parent or caregiver.