Learning takes sting

THE online world has lots of positive things to offer — from information to entertainment to keeping in touch with family and friends.

So, as we spend more of our time online, knowing how to be cyber safe is important for us all. For our young people, for Tasmanian children at high school and even primary school, being cyber safe on all online platforms is paramount.

Research shows that most young people experience sexting before they turn 18.

While this is alarming for young people and their parents, it can also become the basis for bullying and image-based abuse. Sadly, one in five children between 8 and 17 is subject to cyber bullying — with catastrophic consequences.

That is why the launch this month of the Tasmania Legal Aid-designed program, Being Cyber Safe, is so important.

Being Cyber Safe is aimed at improving a young person’s knowledge of the law as it relates to technology. We want Tasmanians to keep engaging with technology and social media, but to do it safely.

Being Cyber Safe contains three core units — Using Technology Safely, Respect Versus Bullying and Sexting.

Each unit consists of an overview and invites people to explore the topic further.

The module includes classroom tasks that build in peer-to-peer learning under the direction of a teacher or other adult, to support schools tackle these insidious problems. The module includes information to assist parents and teachers.

Schools can arrange a follow-up video call with a Legal Aid lawyer, giving students the opportunity to review the module and ask questions about the material covered.

The Using Technology Safely unit gives young people an understanding of some of the rules they may have come across in school relating to technology. It features a discussion about the social media app, TikTok. It helps young people to think about what they share online.

Young people can follow this up by looking further into cybercrime or identity theft.

The Respect Versus Bullying unit shows how real world bullying has shifted from the playground to social media. The unit focuses on what online bullying is and examines how respect can be used as a counterbalance. This reflects our intention that the module not be just telling young people “avoid this” or “don’t do that” but rather makes positive, constructive suggestions about how to engage with others through technology safely.

The Sexting unit examines the legal consequences of sexting — the sharing of sexually explicit images — as well as giving some insight into the dangers of sexting for a young person. It helps young people understand they may be breaking the law and that they have no control over where the images may go.

We provide practical advice about how a young person can respond to requests to engage in sexting and on how to make a formal complaint.

It explains what young people can do to support a friend experiencing the negative effects of sexting.

The aim is to develop skills and resilience within the community to challenge the negative behaviours that have become prevalent.

There are also links through the module for people seeking further help or information.

Being Cyber Safe informs, equips and empowers young people to be more confident in using technology and knowing how to represent themselves online — so they remain safe and don’t hurt anyone.

Many young people at high school are at a stage of life they are more likely to be taking risks, exploring their own identity and forming intimate relationships with others. While the technologies available today can help young people they can also make them particularly vulnerable. The module is designed to help young people successfully navigate these difficult times.

Studies show a link between those who bully at school and those who later perpetuate violence on partners and children. This module can assist early intervention to reduce family violence.

The information in Being Cyber Safe is available for all Tasmanians.

I encourage all Tasmanian schools to engage with Being Cyber Safe by contacting Tasmania Legal Aid Community Legal Education program on 6236 3800.

Children are a focus of our work at Tasmania Legal Aid, which is why we developed this program. Being Cyber Safe helps achieve our vision of Tasmanians being safe, respected and heard.

The best way to protect young Tasmanians from bullying in cyberspace is to educate them about the dangers, explains Vincenzo Caltabiano