Cyber Safety

Right now, Australians are using technology to work and study from home more than ever before. However, while we may all be more ‘connected’, that may not stop us feeling isolated from our peers and our support group. Everyone being at home may even heighten our anxiety or lead to boredom. As events unfold around us, it may place pressure on people and may lead to some venting frustration and anger. So, what can you do?

Reframe what is happening

• You have never been more connected with the community and the people around you. We haven’t had something which affects us all in such a way in recent history. Everyone right now, regardless of being bored or being at home, is affected.

• Right now, people are doing amazing things across the entire world. People are being innovative in medicine, education, workspaces and connecting more!

What can you do?

What you do right now makes a difference. Simple things like washing your hands properly means more with regards to protecting yourself than ever before, and so does the simple things about how you interact online. Be a part of the solution and not an online issue by:

• Be the person you want to be right now. You are a role model for younger siblings. Reach out and help them with their device settings. Are they being safe online? You can also have a conversation with your parents or carers, if you think it is needed, to avoid confrontation.

• Help calm the farm. Don’t spread misinformation from digital influencers. The only true sources of information people should be referring to about medical advice and the current outbreak are from the Queensland and Federal Government. Speak with your parents and carers about it.

• Know that this is only a moment in time, and nothing is so bad you can’t share it with a trusted adult.

• Be an upstander by saying no to cyberbullying!

  • • • Be inclusive of people - do not isolate someone.

      • DM (Direct message) your friend to make them feel better.

      • Help your friend report cyberbullying with the eSafety Commissioner’s website.

        • • • • Don’t respond

              • Screen capture it

              • Report and block

              • Talk to some who can help you

              • Report it to the eSafety Office

              • Remind them if it is with another young person at school, they should contact their school student protection officer or student counsellor.

• Remember to ask your friends R U OK. Consider reaching out and follow these four steps:

1. Ask R U OK?

2. Listen to them

3. Encourage action and show them where they can get help (outlined above).

4. If you are worried talk to a trusted adult immediately (outlined above)

Tips for email etiquette

An Email is not an SMS. When sending an email to your teacher consider the following carefully:

• Share it with your parents. Tell your parents you need to email your teacher.

• Ensure you use a proper greeting, correct grammar, and full sentences. Everyone can make mistakes ask your parents or carer to proofread it.

• Clearly state the purpose for the email in the title (e.g. Checking homework requirements).

• Be straight forward and ask your question, however, be polite.

• Be careful with abbreviations as teachers may not understand them.

• Don't use emoticons.

• Be careful adding images that are too large to send.

• Don’t add anything that might be considered rude. Reread your message to ensure it says what you want it to say (so nothing is taken out of context).

• Don't reply all and spam everybody in the class when replying to a class email from your teacher.

• If you have complaints or other issues speak with your parents about facilitating a video discussion to avoid issues.

• Understand that teachers are by nature kind and friendly people, however, they are your teacher not your peer.

• Add digital signature details to the end of your email (name, class).

• Don’t attach long email signatures unless it is for a specific purpose (i.e. raising awareness on cyberbullying etc).