At VSV, digital citizenship is a shared responsibility alongside the opportunity for online learning. Being National eSmart Week, we are sharing some key points about safety online outside of school monitored software – what you can do to stay safe, and what you can do when you need help.
Signs of healthy online friendships:
- Respect
- Appropriate behaviour
- Holding personal boundaries
Common red flags to be aware of:
- Requests for personal information
- Pressure to move conversations to private channels
- Exclusion or behaviour that feels uncomfortable or inappropriate
Maintaining Boundaries online:
- Prepare a list of behaviours you value and stick to them
- Know your boundaries, and place them somewhere in sight when you are online so you can refer to them when and if you need
If You Feel Unsafe or Uncomfortable
Practical steps you can take immediately:
- Stop engaging with the person or content
- Save evidence such as screenshots or messages
- Block or report the user on the platform
Who to talk to at school – someone you trust:
- A teacher
- Your Learning Advisor
- Your Year Level Coordinator
- A member of the Wellbeing team
Stay safe online these school holidays and enjoy the break.
