Throughout Term 3 the Junior School students have been learning about ‘Digital Citizenship’. Our digital learning framework is encompassed in three banners that remind the students to be Safe, Savy and Social when using digital technologies.
You may have heard the Australian Government announced earlier this year that they intend to put a ban on social media for children under the age of 16 and this will come into effect on 10 December 2025. The change is better described as a delay rather than a ban. At the heart of it, this is a matter of readiness and protection so children have safer and healthier digital lives. The new legislation will require social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent children under the age of 16 from creating or keeping a social media account. Click below to read more about this on the eSafety Commisioner website:
This change is about safeguarding children from the risks social media platforms pose and is also a step toward reducing excessive screen time and exposure to content that can negatively affect their wellbeing. With the holiday period just a week away, consider setting aside some time to explain the reasons for these technology boundaries with your child/ren. I highly recommend making use of the excellent resources on the eSafety Commissioner website as a great starting point for these conversations. One of their suggestions is creating a technology agreement as a family. See the link below:
It is essential that we all work together as a College community to nurture our students in becoming responsible and thoughtful digital citizens. I also encourage families to refer to our recent Seesaw post containing specific information about our digital citizenship framework. It can be applied in your home as well to support healthy use of digital technology.
Wishing you all a wonderful term break ahead.
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
- Psalm 34:8