How can I keep my child safe online?
We had a fantastic parent session at the College about online safety, from the Liverpool City Police Area Command Constables Beardshaw and Stannett on Tuesday morning.
They presented their ThinkUKnow program and it was a highly engaging and interactive session. A passionate group of College families gathered to hear about the online world young people are navigating today and plenty of practical tips were shared that help support children to be safe online. Thank you to the many families across all age groups in the College who were able to come along and support the event. We hope to keep this partnership going with our local police youth liaison officers and run this event regularly as another way we can keep up you up-to-date with technology continuously evolving.
At the end of the session, I encouraged families to share what they learnt with others throughout our community. There were many practical suggestions to take away from the presentation. I’ve listed some below for you to consider as a family.
- Set up your child to play online games in a communal area and avoid private headset use. This way, you can hear conversations in the background and know who your child is talking to and the appropriateness of their conversations.
- Make a written agreement on what you will provide with technology in your home and what they can access: how and when. Negotiate this together and have joint ownership so they are included in decisions that affect them.
- Explain the difference between an online friend and a real-life friend. A real-life friend is one you know in person and outside of the gaming world. An online friend is one you do not.
- Encourage your child to tell you if someone online starts asking for personal details like their name, address, or school. Ensure your child knows not to share any personal information online.
- ‘Game’ with your child as a way to spend time together and to also see for yourself if the content is age-appropriate.
- Another good recommendation from the Constable was to have your child share their passwords with you as a back-up if they forget but also for their safety. Let them know this isn't for spying — it's parenting.
- Minecraft, Roblox and Fortnite may look cartoonish and appropriate for children, but it is important to be aware they have chat functions that can allow anyone to connect with your child.
- Remember, you are the parent and it is your responsibility to keep your children safe. Constable Beardshaw stressed that as the parent you are in control of their technology use– you can decide what is safe for them or not. Do not feel pressure if your child says ‘my friends are allowed to I should too’. It is up to you- you are in control!
Semester 1 Reports
Semester 1 Reports will be sent electronically next week will be sent home electronically at the end of next week. Ms Lisa Hansford spoke about the new report template in our last newsletter edition which can be found here.
Unite Week
Unite week is happening this week and it is going to be a great celebration of diversity and how we are united – together - as a College community. We also reflect on God’s love for us in Jesus and how His grace and forgiveness is for everyone. I’m looking forward to Cultural Dress day on Friday 27 June and I hope you can join us for a special Friday morning muster in the Amphitheatre at 8.20am.
Have a blessed and rejuvenating holiday break and we will see you next term.
