Cyber safety help and advice website – Australian Government Department of Communications

This website allows online users of any age to ‘Talk’, ‘Report’ or ‘Learn’ about safety online. Users can also download the free ‘Cyber safety Help Button’ to install on their personal devices and web browsers.

Cyber smart – Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)

Cyber smart, an initiative of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), is an online resource hub for parents, teachers and kids of all ages.

Stay Smart Online – Australian Government Initiative

Stay Smart Online is the Australian Government’s online safety and security website, designed to highlight and mitigate the risks of using the Internet. Check out the ‘Kids & Teens’ tab for information and tips on using social networking sites safely, dealing with cyber bullying and online grooming, and how to secure your mobile phone.

ThinkUKnow – Australian Federal Police

ThinkUKnow is an internet safety program providing interactive training for parents, carers and teachers, and advice for teens and young people.

Research

Cyber bullying Research Report – Australian Government Department of Communications

This report details research prepared for the Australian Government Department of Communications on youth exposure to, and management of, cyber bullying incidents in Australia.

4 Ways the Internet is making kids smarter – Edudemic

This infographic details the results of a study by Internet safety software giant, AVG, which shows that engaging with technology can improve cognitive ability, increase interest in reading, improve writing ability and improve social skills. The infographic also suggests ways that parents can get involved with their child’s Internet usage, and effectively set boundaries for device usage.

Articles

Parents Guide to Online Safety – Cyber smart

Cyber smart, an initiative of the Australian Communications and Media Authority, is an online resource hub for parents, teachers and kids of all ages. The Parents Cyber safety Guide contains all parents need to know about cyber safety for their kids, including how to set up parental controls, discussion forums and reference guides.

Cyber safety and Cyber bullying – Queensland Government Department of Education, Training and Employment

This guide provides important information for parents about cyber safety and cyber bullying. It suggests what you could do if your child is the target or is responsible for inappropriate online behaviour.

Cyber Safety – ACT Government

This ACT Government Parent Link brochure provides parents with a number of ways to be phone smart and cyber smart.

A Parent’s Guide to Social Networking Sites – McAfee

US Security technology company McAfee offers five lessons to keep your kids safe when they socialise online:

Facebook for Parents – Common Sense Media

Caroline Knorr answers common questions about Facebook, and explains how Facebook can be used safely.

8 Essential Facebook Rules for Teens – Common Sense Media

Shira Lee Katz lists eight essential tips to guide your kids’ use of Facebook:

A Parents’ Ultimate Guide to YouTube – Common Sense Media

Caroline Knorr advises parents on how to enjoy watching YouTube with their kids, without feeling confused and overwhelmed.

Instagram or Vine? 5 things to know if your kids are sharing videos – Common Sense Media

Online Worlds for Young Kids Tips – Common Sense Media

Caroline Knorr explains the ins and outs of ‘online worlds’ targeted at kids aged 6 – 8, such as Club Penguin, Webkinz and Neopets.

Digital Citizenship

Students are the new Digital Influencers – Teach Thought

In this article, Clara Galan suggests that “simply because something is powerful, doesn’t mean it should be feared”. Galan reasons that digital citizenship skills are vital to students’ success in the 21st century. Through social, emotional and technical digital learning, students are empowered to become young leaders and digital citizens.

Be a Good Digital Citizen: Tips for Teens and Parents – Common Sense Media

Caroline Knorr lists the ‘5 Essential Facts of Digital Life’, and provides tips for parents, students and teachers. The video interview of Omaha teens emphasizes that while the Internet, texting and social media can all be misused, they also have the potential for being powerful tools when used responsibly.

Plan a “Digital Family Summit” to Engage Students and Parents – Edutopia

Dr Joe Mazza, the Leadership Innovation Manager at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, discusses the benefits of engaging parents, students and teachers in an open discussion about digital citizenship.*

Technology in Schools

Digital Learning is just Different – TeachThought

Terry Heick lists the ways in which digital learning is different to non-digital learning, and argues that educators must understand and embrace these differences.

20 Things Educators Need to Know About Digital Literacy Skills – InformED

Saga Briggs says that teaching digital literacy is about more than just integrating technology into lesson plans; it’s about using technology to understand and enhance modern communication, to locate oneself in digital space, to manage knowledge and experience in the Age of Information.’

First iPads, next Google Glass for schools – The Canberra Times

Fleta Page speaks with Professor Robert Fitzgerald, the director of the INSPIRE Centre at the University of Canberra, which researches and designs new ways of working and learning digitally.

My students don’t know how to have a conversation – The Atlantic

Paul Barnwell challenges educators to focus on sharpening students’ ability to move back and forth between the digital and real world.

A Lesson in Digital Learning from Minecraft – Huffington Post

Christine Nasserghodsi considers how today’s technology echo-system might further meaningful and progressive education.

What can schools do about bullying? – The Age

Jewel Topsfield surveys an alternative approach to combating bullying and cyber bullying in Australian schools.