eSafety
Many of the ways we connect involve the use of the internet and there is a flipside, because as well as providing our children with endless possibilities, it also exposes them to the potential dangers of the internet.
Every device we expose our children to, be it a digital toy, smart phone, gaming device or computer is a two way street of information.
We teach our children to know their name, where they live and their birthdate in case they are ever in trouble, but this information shared with 'someone' on the internet is not safe.
The teaching team have been doing some professional development over the last week on e-safety as we know that this is an area we need to learn more about. We would like to share some useful resources with you. Some that you can show and share with your child and others for your own learning.
The best resources we have found are from the eSafety Commissioner, which has loads of links and information for families. We have pulled together the ones that we feel will be most useful along with some other cool videos and games.
eSafety Early Years - eSafety Commisioner
Key advice
The eSafety Early Years program encourages families, educators and carers to share four simple messages, to help children develop online safety awareness and habits they can take to school and beyond.
Be safe
Help children understand the connected world and how they can protect their personal information.
Be kind
Show children how to be kind and respectful online and model good habits around device use and online sharing.
Ask for help
Teach children to ask for help and let them know they can come to you with any issue.
Make good choices
Help children to think critically about the content they watch and how they spend their time online.
KIYA'S EXCELLENT eBIRTHDAY
PLAY SCHOOL
It's the countdown to Kiya's big birthday party. The Play School crew celebrates with Kiya and find out how to stay safe online along the way!
THINK U KNOW
James playing a game
1. Play the video and view without your child first.
2. Pause the video when Ellie the Echidna asks questions and help your child work out the correct answer. For example, when she asks: a. “Does James know who’s playing the Kookaburra?” The answer is no! b. “Should James ask his mum for help?” The answer is yes!
3. After the video, you can go into further discussion. Here are some questions you can ask: a. What do you do if you see a pop-up in a game you’re playing? b. What do you do if someone in a game online starts talking to you? c. What do you do if someone asks personal questions like your name, where you live, or go to school?
4. At the end of the activity, we recommend re-enforcing Ellie’s rules for online safety, and the importance of seeking and having supervision.
STORY PUZZLES WITH SWOOSH AND GLIDE
Swoosh and Glide are sugar glider twins who love to help other young adventurers explore the internet safely.
In this activity book there are four stories to find by working out the picture puzzles.
Help Swoosh and Glide find out the stories in these pictures and learn some online safety tips along the way.
FAMILY TECH AGREEMENT - EVERY FAMILY SHOULD HAVE ONE!
We love this idea and it's really easy to do - Play School can help as well. Here's a snippet of the Play School version, that I'm sure we can all relate too! You can find the full Play School PDF here: CLICK HERE
It takes a whole family to be safe online. A family tech agreement is a set of rules about how devices, like smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs and gaming consoles are used in your home. It is written down and agreed to by all family members and kept in a place where everyone can see it (such as on the fridge).
This agreement is designed to help your family have a smoother time around technology in your home and promote safer online experiences.
The template for your family to use can be found here:
FINAL THOUGHT FROM US
Screen time vs Screen practice
It can be easy to focus only on the clock and how long your child is spending in front of the screen, but the quality and nature of what they are doing online, and your involvement are just as important. Screen time is just one part of screen practices to think about. We can't deny the positive outcomes about screens (anyone zoomed a loved one or friend recently?) but we all play a part in ensuring safe practices start early.
