Educating children on responsible internet use vs banning mobile phones from school - have you done your research?

The Internet is a part of our everyday lives, not just for mum and dad, but increasingly for children of all ages, too.

Whether they’re used to pacify kids on a long road trip, complete homework or used for learning at school, smart devices and the internet can be a powerful ally or a devious foe.

At school, BYOD and 1:1 laptop programs are also on the rise, as is discussion around Digital Citizenship, or how confidently and positively students engage with online resources.

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner’s research reveals that

• 99% of parents with children aged 2 to 17 have an internet connection in the home and is widely used for schoolwork, social media, gaming and more,

• 1 in 5 students has been cyberbullied

• 1 in 4 students has been contacted by a stranger online

Several Melbourne schools have taken a conservative approach to cyber safety, trialling banning of mobile phones at school outright.

However, Lesley Podesta, the CEO of the Alannah and Madeleine Foundation says that:

…digital life is a part of every child’s life, increasingly from a young age.”.

- Lesley Podesta, CEO - Alannah and Madeline Foundation

In response to growing concerns about cyber safety for our children, the Australian government has pledged $10 million to help develop cyber safety initiatives, while the Opposition has pledged something similar.

“We know that the benefits of the Internet and social media are many. Children can learn from peers from Australia and around the world. But with that freedom, comes some danger as well. Today’s announcement is about keeping our kids safe online, protecting them from bullying and cyberbullying, making sure they are responsible users of the Internet…”

- Tanya Plibersek MP, Shadow Minister for Education and Training 

Schools like Coomera Anglican College in Queensland is one such school investing more in cyber safety with Linewize’s help:

Whatever the approach, it’s clear that schools are taking a keen interest in how we deal with mobile phones and the wider internet at school.

Linewize's acclaimed e-safety solutions and sophisticated classroom tools have been chosen by thousands of schools and parents in Australia, New Zealand, the US and beyond. Let us help your school work through these challenges.