How to stay safe online
The internet is one of the most valuable tools we have available to us as educators. But as you are probably aware, it is also open to abuse and misuse by people who seek to take advantage of less-experienced users. Online resources are now so much a part of modern life, and freedom of information so integral to the internet environment, that avoidance or usage restrictions are no longer an option: educating ourselves on how to use this resource effectively, as well as protect ourselves and our students from misuse by others is the only responsible course of action. Below you will find a list of helpful resources from the Australian Government and other well-recognised organisations, which will provide parents and students with reference information, advice and assistance on how to stay safe online.
Monitoring at school
Students’ computer usage is monitored whilst on-site at Waverley using Netbox Blue. Non-educational or irrelevant sites are blocked at school including some social networking sites.
Monitoring at Home
It is important that parents understand that the internet filter employed at the College does not extend to the home and that parents need to provide for their son’s online safety in the home.
Cybersafety resources for parents
The Australian Government’s Cybersafety Help Button provides internet users, particularly children and young people, with easy online access to cybersafety information and assistance available in Australia.
www.cybersafety.dbcde.gov.au/helpandadvice
PROJECT ROCKIT is an interactive anti-bullying and youth leadership program that is run by young people for young people in school and university settings.
The Australian Government’s Easy Guide to Socialising Online provides information on how internet users can protect themselves and their information when using social networking sites, search engines and online games.
An initiative of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, eSmart equips everyone in the school community with the skills and knowledge they need for smart, safe and responsible use of technology.
Cybersmart is a national cybersafety and cybersecurity education program. The program is specifically designed to meet the needs of its target audiences of children, young people, parents, teachers and library staff.
Bullying. No way! is an educational website for Australian school communities and the general public. As well as providing information for individuals, the website is visited for its extensive and increasing range of online curriculum and other resources to support the medium-term and long-term bullying-prevention work of schools.
ThinkUKnow is an Internet safety program delivering interactive training to parents, carers and teachers through schools and organisations across Australia, using a network of accredited trainers.
CyberSafetySolutions, is regularly sought to provide advice and assistance to a wide range of diverse organisations including, State Education Departments, different education sectors, elite sporting bodies, adolescent psychologists, child protection agencies and medical practitioners.
www.cybersafetysolutions.com.au
NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) that provides age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on- and offline. The program is designed for children of ages 5-17, parents and guardians, educators, and law enforcement. With resources such as videos, games, activity cards, and presentations, NetSmartz entertains while it educates.
WiredSafety.org is a US charity operating online through its thousands of volunteers around the world. It was the first online safety and help group in the world. Originating in 1995 as a group of volunteers rating websites, it now provides one-to-one help, extensive resources, information, and education to people of all ages on a myriad of Internet, mobile, gaming and interactive-technology safety issues.
The Digizen website provides information for educators, parents, carers, and young people. It is used to strengthen their awareness and understanding of what digital citizenship is and encourages users of technology to be and become responsible DIGItal citiZENS.
GetNetWise is a public service brought to you by Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations to help ensure that Internet users have safe, constructive, and educational or entertaining online experiences.
Reporting bullying
Bullying is a pastoral issue, also it is an issue for the whole community and needs to be reported. The first step in reporting bullying is for the student to tell an adult. It does not matter whether bullying is reported to a Year Master, Home Group teacher or the Classroom Teacher, as long as it is reported.
Generally, the situation will be resolved by one of these people. If you feel that the matter has not been dealt with, or if the bullying persists, contact the School Counsellor.
If there is still an issue, the problem can be escalated to the Bullying Review Committee. To report a matter to the committee, please send an email to the Deputy Headmaster.
