Cyber Citizenship Education
Year Levels 2–10 | Optional Family Forum
The twin issues of cyber safety and cyber bullying are of increasing concern for schools, The Workshop runs a variety of program types about this issue:
We believe all students and parents/carers deserve timely, age appropriate, engaging and relevant information about the good, the bad and the ugly of being online.
Program Overview
Our comprehensive program addresses the twin issues of cyber safety and cyberbullying, providing timely, age-appropriate, and engaging content. We adopt a harm minimisation framework to explore various facets of online interaction, ensuring students are well-prepared to handle the complexities of the digital landscape.
Key Topics Covered
Online Bullying: We delve into the nature of cyberbullying, its impact, and effective strategies for students to employ when they encounter or witness such behaviour.
Technology's Impact on the Brain: Our sessions explore how technology influences brain chemistry, helping students understand the effects of prolonged screen time and the importance of balancing online and offline activities. We discuss the potential mental health impacts of social media use, such as anxiety and depression, and promote strategies for maintaining a healthy relationship with technology.
Handling Distressing Content: We provide guidance on steps to take when encountering upsetting or inappropriate content, emphasising the importance of reporting and seeking support.
Understanding Virality: Students learn about content going 'viral' and the potential long-term implications of their online posts, encouraging thoughtful and responsible sharing.
Online Resources and Support: We introduce students to reliable online and community resources, offering support for various online challenges they may face.
Privacy Settings and Digital Footprint: We educate students on the importance of managing privacy settings and understanding their digital footprint, highlighting how personal information can be exploited if not properly protected.
Recognising Misinformation: Students are taught to critically evaluate the content they encounter on social media, developing skills to identify and disregard misinformation.
Family Forum: Bridging the Gap
An optional Family Forum complements our student sessions, fostering open communication between students and their parents or carers. Using a 'Talking Tactics' approach, we encourage families to discuss maximising technology's benefits while minimising potential harms together.
Program Benefits
By participating in our Cyber Citizenship Education program, students will:
Develop a comprehensive understanding of safe online practices.
Learn to navigate social media responsibly, recognising both its benefits and potential pitfalls.
Build resilience against cyberbullying and know how to seek help when needed.
Foster open communication with family members about online experiences.
