This Tuesday just past was “Safer Internet Day”, a day for teachers and parents to reflect on how we can help protect children from the very real dangers that do exist in using the internet. Probably the best intervention we can make is supervision. In meetings held over the past few years I have used the analogy of teaching a young person to drive. Over the 120 compulsory hours you sit beside the young learner driver in the front seats, it is an opportunity to guide them safely and calmly through the unpredictable hazards and dilemmas that present themselves. On a lot of drives, it is very pleasant and uneventful. And yet, there are other times with stormy weather, slippery roads, aggressive tailgaters, poorly lit surroundings and wrong turns into dangerous looking environments.  Your advice and experienced guidance for the learner driver in these times is invaluable!  In a similar way, children left alone to use the internet will almost certainly eventually encounter unpleasant or inappropriate situations and potentially, dangerous people. They simply do not have the skills or maturity to deal with these situations alone. 

Supervised use of the internet, in a public area of the house (rather than in bedrooms) is a great starting point, and sitting side by side with your child as much as possible is even better! Through my role at school, I have seen the unpleasant results of allowing children to engage in unsupervised messaging groups. At times, the language used and concepts discussed have been quite concerning. If allowing your child to use messaging apps I would certainly highly recommend regular checking in. The government website esafety.gov.au is a wonderful resource with facts, ideas and suggestions for helping your child to use the internet and stay safe at the same time.

Mr Richard Tuckwell
Assistant Principal