Written by René Gildenhuys, Quality, Compliance & Operations Leader for Skippy's Early Learning and Qualified Work Health and Safety Officer
This Children’s Week, we at Skippy’s want to emphasise the critical role parents and carers play in discussing online safety with their children. As families in Rockhampton, Gracemere, and Yeppoon celebrate this special week, it’s the perfect opportunity to engage in conversations about how to navigate the digital world safely.
At Skippy's, we believe that open communication is essential. By addressing online safety, you empower your children to use technology with confidence and responsibility. Here are some practical resources and ideas to help you initiate these important discussions within your family:
💻 Read: Tips for Talking About Online Safety
eSafety Commissioner has published valuable tips to guide discussions with children of different age groups:
0 to 12 Years Old: Learn effective ways to communicate with younger children about online safety in a reassuring and age-appropriate manner.
👀 Watch: Informative Videos
To aid these discussions, eSafety offers a variety of videos focused on protecting children from online risks, including serious issues like child sexual abuse. These resources are crucial for equipping you with the knowledge needed to address online safety at home.
🎧 Listen: Expert Insights
Tune into the Fathering Project podcast, where eSafety experts discuss online safety. Listening to these insights will help you find the right language and approaches for these essential family conversations.
The Importance of Ongoing Conversations
This week let’s commit to regular discussions about online safety within your home. Encourage your children to share their online experiences, feelings, and interactions. Creating a safe space for these conversations fosters trust and allows your children to express any concerns they may have.
Celebrate Children’s Week with Fun and Learning
In addition to safety discussions, Children’s Week is an excellent time to explore technology together. Here are some engaging activities you can try as a family:
📖 Read: Check out the online safety picture book and song from eSafety, making safety concepts fun and relatable.
💻 Do: Engage in story puzzles featuring eSafety characters Swoosh and Glide, reinforcing online safety lessons through play.
👀 Watch: Enjoy the Mighty Heroes video series from eSafety, which educates while entertaining.
As we celebrate Children’s Week, let’s empower our children with the knowledge they need to navigate the online world safely. By utilising these resources from eSafety and committing to ongoing conversations at home, families in Rockhampton, Gracemere, Yeppoon, and The Range can help protect their children while fostering a love for exploration and learning.
Let’s work together to ensure our children can create, connect, and explore the wonders of technology safely! For more information, visit www.esafety.gov.au.