ySafe | What You Get From a Day
February 6, 2025
What you get from a day, that you don’t from an hour.
From: Abi Dargan, ySafe Cybersafety Education Expert
Let's face it: the old way of teaching cyber safety just isn't cutting it anymore. We've all been there - a one-hour session on online safety, a few PowerPoint slides, and a vague hope that our students will somehow magically absorb the information. But the truth is, that's just not enough.
The one-hour approach: a relic of the past
We’re not saying it was always this way. In the past, a one-hour session might have been sufficient. The online landscape was less complex, and the risks were fewer. But times have changed. Social media is now a normal part of daily life, and online interactions can have serious consequences. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and digital drama are on the rise, and our students need more comprehensive education and training to navigate the complex online world safely.
So, what's wrong with the one-hour approach?
The problem is, a one-hour session can only scratch the surface of cyber safety. It definitely covers the basics like - don't share personal info online, be kind to others, avoid suspicious emails - but it can't delve deeper into the complexities of online life. It can't provide students with the critical thinking skills they need to evaluate online information or the strategies to protect themselves from cyberbullying and online harassment. It’s a one-way conversation –only with students.
What our students need
Our students need more. They need to understand how to use social media responsibly, how to manage their digital footprint, and how to use technology to support their mental health and wellbeing. They need to be able to have conversations with kids from different year groups and know what the expectations are from the school. They need to be able to have safe conversations with parents too, without fear of repercussions or punishment. And, more importantly, they also need to know that the adults around them –their teachers and parents– understand their world. They understand why they love technology so much, and have the knowledge and skills to support them as they navigate this space. A day of cyber safety: a day for anticipation, conversations, and lasting impact
However, a dedicated cyber safety day is more than just a chance to provide our students with the education and training they need. It's also a chance to build anticipation, have conversations, and create lasting impact.
A day gives us a chance to talk about before it happens - it gives us something to look forward to. And it gives us the time we need to make sure that what we do on that day can make a real, lasting difference. We can use the lead-up to the day to generate excitement and interest, to encourage students to think about their own online behaviours and habits, and to invite guest speakers and experts to share their insights and expertise.
But most importantly, a dedicated cyber safety day gives everyone a voice. It gives our students the chance to share their own experiences and perspectives, to ask questions and seek advice, and to take ownership of their own online safety. It gives our teachers and staff the chance to share their own expertise and concerns, to provide guidance and support, and to learn from our students. And it gives our parents and community members the chance to get involved, to learn more about the online world, and to support our students in their online journeys.
The cyber safety conversation is one that affects everybody.
From the youngest of students just starting out with technology, through to your Year 12 leavers. From the newest additions to your parent community, right through to your most experienced educators. Everybody has something to say, something to ask and a voice that needs to be part of that conversation. It’s not just about a conversation between the experts and the audience. It’s about a conversation between students, staff and parents that lasts… One that happens before we get there, and after we’ve gone.Amplifying voices, creating shared responsibility
By giving everyone a voice, we can create a community that's invested in cyber safety, and that's committed to supporting young people in their online lives. We can amplify the voices of our students, who are both the most knowledgeable and also the most vulnerable to online risks, and we can provide them with the support and resources they need to stay safe online. We can bring together teachers, staff, parents, and community members to share their expertise and perspectives, and to work together to create a safer, more supportive online environment.What a Difference a Day Can Make. ySafe can help....
So, let's make a change. Let's move beyond the one-hour approach giving cyber safety the time and space it requires.Contact us at enquiries@ysafe.com to learn more about our cyber safety services and resources.
About ySafe
At ySafe, we're passionate about helping schools create a safer, more supportive online environment for their students. We firmly believe in one thing; one size doesn’t fit all. Your school, your students, and your needs are unique. And that’s why everything we do is designed to give you a flexible way to approach cyber safety in your school. We might be experts, but when you book our services, we’re your experts, and we’ll work with you to ensure that our partnership delivers real value and real impact for your school community.Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of your students, and help them thrive in the digital world.
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