Safer Internet Day – Digital Footprint

Last Tuesday 6^th February was ‘Safer Internet Day’. Digital reputation and use of technology continues to be a focus at the College and is reflected at assemblies and in Personal Development lessons. In working with students in this area, it is about individual choices and the way in which technology is used. If used appropriately, online communications and interactions can shape a positive culture and enhance learning and social connections. In accessing the World Wide Web, we sometimes need reminders that this is a public space and having clear expectations about appropriate interactions and choices is important.

‘Care, Dignity and Respect’ is a key theme at the College, which is central in building relationships and growing others and self. Therefore, whether a young person is using a pen and paper as a tool for communication or an electronic device, they should be thinking before posting or writing and when at school, using the device for educational purposes. The things to be mindful about in relation to electronic communication include; instantaneousness, public nature, highly accessible, global scope and reach and also the permanency of such communication.

Later this term, Year 10 students in Personal Development will watch the film ‘Tagged’, a video created as part of the Australian Government's ‘Cybersmart’ initiative, which is managed by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner. Senior College students watched this film last year at an assembly. The footage specifically focuses on a case study where individual students choose to use digital media inappropriately. This causes a ripple of ramifications for a number of stakeholders (peers, parents, the school, the community, the police and the individual) over the duration of a week. 

‘Tagged’ encourages young people to reflect on the real life consequences caused by poor choices in using technology including cyber-safety, sexting and reflecting on their digital footprint. The themes of personal and peer safety and responsibility are crucial to maintaining positive online behaviour and a digital footprint into adulthood.

Office of the eSafety Commissioner has a variety of resources to assist parents in understanding how young people use the internet, the risks they face and strategies to manage risks. For further information, visit: https://esafety.gov.au/education-resources/iparent. A free community eSafety forum with Australia's eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, is also being held in Kawana on Monday 19^th February. For further information about this event and to register, visit: https://mailchi.mp/aph/andrew-wallace-mp-update-for-local-people-may-460765?e=06a6a71759.