In today’s digital world, our kids are growing up online—chatting, gaming, learning, and exploring. While the internet offers many opportunities, it also comes with risks. Sometimes, children may encounter situations that make them feel uncomfortable or unsafe. If your child comes to you with concerns about their online experiences, it’s crucial to handle the conversation with care and support. Below are some great tips from the eSafety Commissioner to help you navigate tricky conversations.

 This week, our Year 7 and 8 students participated in sessions with the CyberSafety Project, exploring the digital world they’re growing up in and learning how to manage their online presence with integrity. This is a great place to start with your conversations!

1. Stay Calm and Listen

Your first reaction sets the tone. Even if what they share is upsetting, take a deep breath and focus on listening. Reacting with anger or panic can discourage them from opening up in the future. Remember, they’ve chosen to confide in you—acknowledge their courage and thank them for trusting you.

2. Reassure Them

Let your child know that they are not in trouble and that you’re proud of them for speaking up. Emphasise that your primary concern is their safety and well-being. Assure them that you’ll work together to address the situation. Avoid threatening to take away their devices or ban social media if they open up to you—doing so can make them less likely to share with you in the future.

3. Gather the Facts

Gently ask questions to understand what happened:

• Who was involved?
• What platform or app was used?
• What exactly was said or done?
• Has this happened before?

Avoid pressing for details if they’re not ready to share. The goal is to understand enough to take appropriate action without making them relive the experience.

4. Document and Report

If the situation involves inappropriate messages, cyberbullying, or unwanted contact, it’s important to document the evidence:

• Take screenshots of messages or images.
• Note usernames, dates, and times.

Report the incident to the platform where it occurred. Most social media and gaming platforms have mechanisms to report abusive behaviour. Additionally, you can report serious online abuse to the eSafety Commissioner, who can assist in removing harmful content and provide further support.

5. Seek Professional Support

Depending on the severity of the situation, consider seeking additional support:

• Counselling Services: Organisations like Kids Helpline offer free, confidential counselling for young people.
• Law Enforcement: If the incident involves threats, explicit content, or suspected grooming, contact your local police or the Australian Federal Police.

6. Educate and Empower

Use this experience as an opportunity to educate your child about online safety:

• Discuss the importance of privacy settings and not sharing personal information.
• Encourage them to think critically about who they interact with online.
• Reinforce that they can always come to you with concerns.

Consider creating a Family Tech Agreement to set clear expectations about online behaviour and safety.

7. Monitor and Support

Keep an open line of communication. Regularly check in with your child about their online activities and feelings. Encourage them to share both positive and negative experiences. Your ongoing support plays a vital role in helping them navigate the digital world safely.

Remember: Your involvement and support can make a significant difference in your child’s online experiences. By staying informed and approachable, you help create a safe environment where your child feels comfortable seeking guidance.

For more resources and information on keeping your family safe online, visit the eSafety Commissioner’s website.

Please note: in the coming months, laws around social media use for those under 16 will be changing. While we will continue to provide education as these changes take effect, you can find excellent information in the meantime at Youth Law Australia.

Learn more about...