What is CyberMarvel?

Our school has transitioned from the eSmart framework to a new approach to online safety, digital citizenship, and well-being. We are proud to now be aligned with the NSW Government-endorsed program CyberMarvel. This comprehensive framework help schools, students, and families navigate the digital world safely, responsibly, and with confidence.

Our School’s Digital Well-being Approach

At Villa Maria, we recognise that a whole-community approach is essential for sustainable change. By implementing the principles and strategies of CyberMarvel, we are fostering real behavioural and cultural change when our community engages with technology. These programs provide a roadmap for developing practices in:

• Effective school-wide policies and procedures

• Promoting a respectful and caring community

• Enhancing teacher and classroom practices

• Integrating digital citizenship into the curriculum

• Building strong partnerships with parents and the local community

How It Looks at Our School

Each student and their parents commit to agreed practices for using technology by signing our School's Acceptable Use Student Agreement. Digital citizenship and online safety are explicit topics within our PDHPE curriculum, and CyberMarvel strategies are embedded across all subjects, where appropriate online behaviour is explicitly taught and modelled.

CyberMarvel focuses on equipping students with skills to identify and respond to online threats, understand data privacy, and become a positive force in the digital space. Our students learn to be critical thinkers and digital heroes.

Our school protects students through a managed filtering system that prevents access to inappropriate content while they are on the school Wi-Fi network. We also encourage students to report any incidents of inappropriate online behaviour to a teacher or trusted staff member.

Cyber Safety at Home

While students are supported and protected by our school’s practices, families are encouraged to extend this learning into the home. Like any other unfamiliar environment, children need clear guidance and strategies when engaging with the Internet. Discussing the principles of CyberMarvel with your children helps ensure they receive a consistent message, with the goal of being safe, smart, and responsible online.

Tips for Families:

• Be a role model: Set a positive example by demonstrating responsible and respectful online behavior.

• Establish a charging station: Put all devices in a central location overnight, including parents' devices.

• Keep devices out of bedrooms: Encourage device use in common areas of the home.

• Monitor and engage: Ask your child to share the websites, games, and videos they enjoy.

• Set expectations: Work with your child to agree on screen time limits and acceptable content.

• Use family safety tools: Consider implementing a net filter on your home Wi-Fi and reviewing parental control options.

• Stay informed: Become familiar with the resources provided by CyberMarvel and Be Internet Awesome to continue your own learning journey.