*From our Cyber Safety Policy*
Cyber safety is the safe and responsible use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). It involves being respectful of other people online, using good ‘netiquette’ (internet etiquette), and above all, is about keeping information safe and secure to protect the privacy of individuals. Our Out of School Hours Care Service is committed to creating and maintaining a safe online environment with support and collaboration with staff, families and the community.
Cyber Safety encompasses the protection of users of technologies that access the Internet and is relevant to devices including computers, iPads and tablet computers, mobile and smartphones and any other wireless technology (including personal wearable devices- smart watches). With increasingly sophisticated and affordable communication technologies, there is a candid need for children and young people to be informed of both the benefits and risks of using such technologies. More importantly, safeguards should be in place to protect young children from accidentally stumbling upon or being exposed to unsuitable material or content.
Our OSHC Service has demanded cyber safety practices and education programs in place, including appropriate use agreements for educators and families. Our educational software program provides families with up-to-date information about their child’s development in the way of daily reports, observations, photos, portfolios and email communications.
The cyber safety agreement includes information about the software program, the Services’ obligations and responsibilities, and possible risks associated with internet use, including privacy and bullying breaches. Upon signing the Service’s agreement, families and educators will have access to the educational software program.
FAMILIES
- When sharing anything using technologies such as computers, mobile devices, email, or any device that connects to the internet it is important you and everyone else invited to your account understand netiquette and stay safe online and ensure privacy laws are adhered to.
- When it comes to your own children, it is your choice what you share outside of the OSHC Service. Remember though that young children cannot make their own decisions about what gets published online so you have a responsibility to ensure that whatever is shared is in your children’s best interests.
- Be mindful of what you publish on social media about your child as this may form part of their lasting digital footprint.
- Install Family Friendly Filters to limit access to certain types of content on devices such as mobile phones and computers.
- Install parental controls on streaming services to ensure children are not able to access inappropriate material.
- Sometimes other children in the OSHC Service may feature in the same photos, videos, and/or observations as your children. In these cases, never duplicate or upload them to the internet/social networking sites or share them with anyone other than family members without those children’s parents’ permission
- Access further information about eSafety to help protect your children and be cyber-safe.
Cyberbullying
Schools in all jurisdictions have policies related to bullying, including online, or cyberbullying. Our OSHC Service has a duty of care to children under various legislative frameworks to ensure the environment is safe, inclusive, respectful and free from risk of harm. We reject all forms of bullying behaviour.
Cyberbullying will respond appropriately to cyberbullying by reporting this behaviour immediately to management and seeking further advice from the police. Our OSHC Service implements strategies suggested through Bullying. No Way!
