Rapid advances in technology have meant rapid changes to the way our children live their lives, and subsequently to the way we parent and educate. According to research, one in five young Australians are the target of cyberbullying each year, and 49 per cent of teenagers reported they had added people to their social networking ‘friends’ list that they had never met face-to-face. 

With that in mind, and with support from Google, the Alannah and Madeline Foundation has developed a ‘Digital Licence’ – an online education tool designed to help protect children from online risks. This engaging resource was designed with cyber safety experts, teachers, and industry leaders in education and technology.  The Digital Licence is the most comprehensive educational resource for online safety and responsibility. Three versions of the eSmart Digital Licence have been developed for different stages of learning and interacting online.

Here at St Francis Catholic College we endeavour to embrace the benefits of technology, and at the same time educate and protect our children from cyberbullying and other online risks. We implemented the Primary Digital license for all Stage 3 students in Semester 1. In Semester 2 students in Years 1-3 will commence the Junior Primary license and Year 7 and 8 the Secondary license. Students in Year 4 and 9 will complete other programs that will encourage them to be safe online. 

For further Information:  

1. Digital License http://www.digitallicence.com.au/about-digital-licence/
   
   
2. The article below by Kirra Pendergast Safe on Social's Tips for parents. She is the Director of Safe on Social Media Pty Ltd. and she has provided strategic advice to government and industry and held State Director level positions with key international business consulting firms in Brisbane, Australia. She has experience in the Australian and New Zealand Information Technology industries in Information Security and Business Consulting.