Students across Geelong are participating in a free, in-school program focused on online safety and security.
This week Western Heights College took part in the Optus Digital Thumbprint program, with students from years seven to ten engaging in face-to-face workshops focused on cyber security, cyberbullying and digital identity.
Western Heights College Year 8 coordinator Ben Cook said the workshop the year 8 students attended on Wednesday was both highly relevant and engaging.
“Some really important messages came across to the students, such as appropriate communication techniques on technology and questions around the law,” Mr Cooke said.
“It allowed the student to understand where the line is on what’s socially acceptable online and offline.
“Some of the examples in the presentation were really relatable. The students were able to engage with them quite well based on similar sorts of situations that our students are finding themselves in when it comes to interacting online with others.”
Optus local general manager for Victoria Jayson Grool said he was excited to see students engage with the Digital Thumbprint program.
“As technology evolves, so does the approach we need to take for cyber safety and cyber security,” he said.
“We want to make sure students across Geelong are equipped to navigate the digital world by providing a high-quality program that empowers them to have safer, more positive online experiences.”
The program also offers digital workshops for primary school students focused on staying safe when communicating with other online users while playing games and using apps.
Visit www.digitalthumbprint.com.au to find out more about the program.
