Module 1: Online Safety

In this module we will be learning about online safety. The internet helps us connect with people from all over the world. Most Australian teens use the internet to create happy relationships with people they know. But it can also be a risky place if you use the wrong websites and have the wrong friends. Sometimes people make bad decisions on the internet which can cause problems.

Watch the video below to learn more about the importance of online safety.

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In the video below you can turn on closed captions and change the playback speed if you would like to watch the clip slower or faster.




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In this module we will be learning about online safety.

The internet helps us connect with people from all over the world. Most of us use the Internet every single day to go on Google, Facebook, Instagram or to play games like Fortnite or Minecraft. Even the shows you watch on Netflix or YouTube all use the internet!

How do you like to use the internet?

Most of the people on the internet love it! Most Australian teens use the internet to create happy relationships with people they know.

But it can also be a risky place if you use the wrong websites and have the wrong friends. Sometimes people make bad decisions on the internet which can cause problems.

Some of these decisions include:

  • Giving away personal information to strangers
  • Posting an image online of someone without their permission
  • or Interacting with unsafe strangers online

There are things you can do to keep yourself safe on the internet. This course will teach you how to use the internet safely and have fun.

Our values are the things that are important to us. Some values include respect, acceptance and kindness.

Examples of values you may have as a young person online include:

  • Respect for others privacy
  • and Being kind to people online

A right is something we need or something we are allowed to have. Rights may be put into laws or rules, so everyone follows them. Rights are very important as they protect us, especially when people are mean to us.

Examples of rights you have in life and online include:

  • A right to privacy, and
  • The right to be free from bullying or nasty words

Being responsible is when you follow a rule, or you do something you are meant to do. Online responsibilities are similar to real life responsibilities. For example, we are always expected to talk to people with kindness and respect. This is the same online.

It is important that you are responsible online, and you are following basic rules for everyone’s safety.

Some examples of taking responsibility online include:

  • Not hurting anyone’s feelings by posting a mean comment or picture
  • Speaking up if you see someone getting bullied online, and
  • Knowing that everything you write on the internet can be seen by everyone.

We need to take responsibility for our own behaviour to help us feel happy and confident. Think carefully before you post something online.

What do you think Lex should do?
What are Lex and Sam’s responsibilities here?

Risks are the unwanted side effects of a situation. As fun as the internet can be, there are many online risks

When we switch off from the internet, it’s easy to feel like we’ve left it behind for the real world. This is not true. Online risks can turn to real world risks. If we game too much, our eyes get tired. If we give away private information to a stranger online, we might get our accounts hacked or money stolen. Anything we do online has an effect in real life.

If you like using the internet, it’s important to know how to manage these risks so you feel safe.

Getting help can be difficult sometimes. You may not know when to get help or you might feel it would be pointless to ask for help.

Most importantly, it will help avoid the same situation happening again.

Throughout this training, we’ll show you how to go about seeking help for different online situations, including:

  • Getting help from trusted adults
  • Asking to go to counselling services
  • Using the report button on social media platforms
  • Talking to friends, and
  • Checking online safety guides from trusted sources like eSafety

Knowing who you can turn to when things go wrong is very important. For many situations, this will be a trusted adult – someone you can count on. Who this may be looks different for everyone.

Some common examples are:

  • A parent or guardian
  • Teachers
  • Caregivers
  • Grandparents
  • Godparents
  • Step-parents, or
  • Older siblings

You might also need different trusted adults for different situations. When you are in immediate danger, you might want to call the police. If you need a safe space outside your family and friends to talk about your issues, you might chat with a school counsellor.

Can you name 3 trusted adults you can speak to when things go wrong?







This video is available with Auslan interpreting

Click here to watch the above clip with an Auslan interpreter.

References

Resources and Links

This Online Safety Training is a joint initiative between Interaction and ySafe and has been made possible by funding from the eSafety Commissioner's Online Safety Grants program.