Please take the opportunity to have some honest conversations with your child about the dangers of social media. We too often deal with the overflow and consequences of inappropriate social media use occurring out of school hours. Much of this would be avoided by following the age restrictions on the social media sites. These age restrictions are in place to keep your children safe. The young adolescent brain is not yet equipped with the emotional resilience to 'brush off' negative comments or understand the true, and at times, long lasting impact that their actions can have on others.
The following mandated age restrictions are applicable for social media/gaming platforms;
TikTok: +13 years
Facebook/Messenger: +13 years
Fortnite: +13 years
Instagram: +13 years
Nintendo Switch: +13 years
Houseparty: +13 years
Snapchat: +13 years
Minecraft: +10 years
YouTube: +13 years
Permitting your child to access and use social media sites is a parent's responsibility. Should you permit your child to breach these age restrictions, please be aware of the messages this sends your child regarding adherence to rules.
Tips for safe internet use include:
Removing headphones/headpieces so you can hear what is being communicated on both ends (PS4, Fortnite, online gaming etc);
Use a dual platform in which parents have full control of what is shared;
Keep computers/phones/iPads in full view of a supervising parent at all times;
Never permit a device in the bedroom whilst unsupervised;
Sit with your child and explain the consequences of using social media (stranger danger, cyber bullying is reportable to the Police, longevity of posts on the internet);
Keep evidence of inappropriate communication and report to the appropriate authorities.
The eSafety Commissioner website has some valuable resources for your reference and can be accessed via https://www.esafety.gov.au/. Online bullying can also be reported via the eSafety Commissioner website.
Mobile Phones
There have been a number of reports of students using their mobile phone to communicate with parents during school hours. Should a parent require urgent contact with their child during school hours, please contact Administration via phone or email and a message will be forwarded to your child.
Students are not permitted to use their mobile phone during school hours under any circumstances.