Addressing the issue of Cybersafety & young people for Principals, teachers and other professionals who work with youth.

With the explosion of cyber technology, we are also seeing a dramatic rise in its’ misuse. The issue of cyber bullying and ‘sexting’ is emerging as the number one issue confronting the safety and wellbeing of young people and the wider community. Together with associated technology including 3G mobile telephones, Instant Messaging(MSN), online games and the popularity of social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook & now Twitter, today’s youth have access to and are accessible by many millions of people worldwide.

Teens are often not aware that their words and or photos, which may have been intended for a small audience, sometimes find their way to a larger one, often with both the unexpected and undesirable consequences. Misuses of technology primarily conducted out of schools hours, is now becoming a time consuming and confronting issue for Principals and teachers. Educators are often not trained nor adequately informed about the issues surrounding the misuse of technology and are frequently at a loss to quickly resolve an issue presenting in their school community.

This professional development session for educators will cover:-

Popular sites for youth – What are they?
MSN instant messaging
Social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook & Twitter,
Virtual chat rooms such as Club Penguin, Habbo Hotel, and online games

What do kids do online? Where do they go? The difference between an ‘online friend’ and a ‘stranger. Technology from a teens point of view.

Misuse of technology
email, MSN, blogs, webcam etc.

Legal considerations
State and Commonwealth Legislation
What crimes may have been committed? When to involved local Police.

Risks, dangers and safety tips
How to assist the children in your care to stay safe online.

Where next for your school?
Considerations and policy development
Online safety for teachers and staff (how to protect your privacy)
Professional Conduct – should staff maintain public social networking sites
Social interactions with students online

Questions

****** This PD is 90 minutes duration*****