Teenagers often spend a lot of time online – instant messaging, sharing photos and videos, playing online games and using online chat and voice chat. Additionally, social media platforms can be a big part of their social identity.

Spending time online is a great experience for our teenagers, however we acknowledge that there are risks associated with the different types of content accessed, as well as the different types of associated behaviours. 

As our teenagers mature, so do their interactions with online content. Ensuring they are engaging in age appropriate materials, as well as behaviours, can be challenging. As parents and caregivers you know your child better than anyone and have the best opportunity to support and guide them to have safer online experiences.

The Australian eSafety Commissioner promotes online safety for all Australians. The range of services the eSafety commission provides include: 

• releasing e-safety support materials and resources for young people and parents
• informing parents on the responsible use of social media
• providing a complaints service for those who experience serious cyberbullying
• identifying and removing illegal online content
• tackling image-based abuse
• providing a directory of resources for parents

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

The eSafety Commission identifies 6 key areas where young people require the support and guidance of parents and caregivers while navigating online safely. The following attachment covers these 6 key online safety issues, and includes a range of practical tips and advice for parents.

We highly recommend that all parents and caregivers take the time to review “Online safety – A Guide for parents and carers”.

Further resources are available to assist with helping your child deal with online safety issues at the following web address:

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/big-issues

Top ten tips for teenager online safety

1. Have an ‘open door’ policy when devices are used in bedrooms, and check in with them regularly to see what they are viewing.
2. Ask about their online experiences, who they are talking to online and whether they are having any issues
3. Reinforce the importance of protecting personal information and privacy.
4. Equip them to use social media responsibly by understanding the age appropriateness of the platform
5. Encourage them to think before they post. Asking questions like: Who might see this? Could it be misread by others? Am I creating the right image for myself?
6. Remind them that they could expose themselves to risk by sharing personal and inappropriate images of themselves
7. Keep doing the great work you are already doing on building self-respect, empathy and resilience
8. Encourage them to be aware of the impact of social media on their self-esteem
9. Help them understand online risks and what to do about them
10. Encourage healthy habits for screentime, and device free time. 

From time to time the eSafety Commissioner hosts live webinars that explore the latest research about online safety matters, and are a great way to learn how to support young people to develop the skills to be safer online. All sessions are delivered by eSafety expert educators. Further information about upcoming webinars can be found at the following web address:

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

The following video tutorials are available via our school YouTube Channel:

Privacy restrictions: https://youtu.be/eK0HbNn-3qU

Parental content restrictions: https://youtu.be/jCo5qYZg59o

Setting up parental controls: https://youtu.be/UsqKINzzLY8