Bullying & Cyber Safety

Bullying

The Department has developed this web-based resource for principals, teachers, parents and students. It aims to provide practical advice, information and strategies to support everyone to ‘make a stand, lend a hand’ and stop bullying.

Two new online learning modules for parents have now been added to the Bully Stoppers online toolkit – both modules were developed in partnership with experts, and are linked to fact sheets.

One has been designed by Andrew Fuller to help parents understand, recognise and manage bullying and cyberbullying behaviours.

The other module has a focus on cyber safety, cyber bullying, and includes information on sexting, gaming addiction and online grooming. It aims to help parents address standards of behaviour in the context of cybersafety and social media.

These modules can be accessed at: 

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/bullystoppers/Pages/parentmodules.aspx

I have had a look at these modules and they are an excellent resource. Lots of information to dispel some of the myths around bullying, interactive scenarios that give parents the chance to make a decision and then examine some of the possible consequences and some more detailed fact sheets.

I highly recommend you take some time to look at this material.

Cyber Safety

Living in a world of rapid technological change, where many of the employment and recreational opportunities of tomorrow are yet to be invented or realised, Beechworth Secondary College believes open minds and careful modelling are key to the development of responsible, competent and creative users of digital technology.

Increasing access to technologies means our students can benefit from a wider range of resources and tools that assist them in their learning. However, we also take seriously the need to support and educate all within our community about the responsible and effective use of these technologies. As such we are committed to staying abreast of the issues relating to cybersafety and appropriate online behaviours.

Students in Years 7 and 8 complete dedicated units of work on Cybersafety and our eSmart Plan shows the other areas of the curriculum where cybersafety is addressed. 

To improve online safety for all students at home and at school, the Australian Government has also developed an online website for students to access. The Cyber Safety Help Button provides internet users, particularly children and young people with easy and immediate online access to cyber safety information and assistance. It provides counselling, reporting and educational resources designed to assist children deal with online risks including cyber bullying, unwanted contact, scams and fraud, and offensive or inappropriate material.

To access your own Cyber Safety button to install on your desktop, simply visit www.dbcde.gov.au/helpbuttonand follow the prompts.