Cyber Safety with Susan McLean

Susan McLean from Cyber Safety Solutions, an expert in Cyber safety, presented to our Year 7, 8 and 9 students. Susan is a former member of the Victorian Police Force and trained with the FBI. She has extensive experience with internet crime and keeping children safe online. Susan is also a published author.

Susan highlighted to our students that the online world is largely an adult world; youth do not have the social and emotional maturity to navigate the complexities of this world. She challenged students to pause and consider their digital footprint, behaviours, understand the risks and avoid potential harm.

During our parent session, Susan praised parents who set clear digital boundaries and are comfortable to say, ‘No’. Students were presented with personal qualities which should be upheld when interacting online, which included:

• Be kind.
• Be part of a team and work together.
• Be brave; have the courage to ask for help because silence gives people power over you.
• Be responsible with posting photos and information.
• Consider your digital footprint for future opportunities of employment (nothing can be deleted from social media, and you are never anonymous).

Susan informed Year 7 students that the minimum age for social media is 13 years and that lying about their age is not a responsible choice. She gave students useful advice about online interactions and keeping themselves safe when encountering situations where they may experience pressure to conform.

Susan also spoke to the students about managing their social media accounts by choosing appropriate names for the account, having a generic picture as their profile picture, having updated privacy settings, considering what they like, deleting old accounts and most importantly, never sharing passwords with friends!

Susan left the students with a powerful final message, “You are worth more than a number. Don’t see your self-worth as the number of likes from a post on social media”.

The e-Safety Commissioner website www.esafety.gov.au/parents is a useful site for parents/carers to access for further information regarding Cyber Safety.

Glowing Great Workers

I have recently commenced transition visits for the incoming Year 7 2023 students. I still recall the sheer joy, trepidation, and excitement on the faces of our current Year 7 students on their Orientation Day. It has given me a sense of great pride to witness each student’s personal growth and endeavours.

Our Year 7 students have worked hard and accepted challenges with perseverance and grit. Their personal growth is evident; they carefully consider options when confronted with dilemmas where the answers are not immediately known.

The Year 7 team recognise the privilege and responsibility in helping to shape the success and happiness of our Year 7 level whilst teaching valuable life skills.

Leah Cristiano
Level Leader: Year 7