Media Mentor Month | Becoming Digital Guardians: Nurturing Safe Online Spaces

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, our roles extend beyond being just consumers of content ourselves. As parents, educators, and mentors, we have the unique opportunity to shape the online experiences of the next generation, your children. This May, the Junior School is inviting parents to participate in Media Mentor Month, a dedicated initiative aimed at fostering a safer and more informed digital environment for our students and their families. 

What Is Media Mentor Month?  

Media Mentor Month isn’t just another item on the calendar—it’s a call to action. It’s about equipping ourselves with the knowledge and tools to guide our children through the complexities of the online world. Let’s explore the key components of this empowering month: 

Calendar of At-Home Activities 

We have created an at-home calendar which has a wide range of engaging activities designed for families. These activities aren’t just about screen time; they’re about meaningful connections. Here’s how you can use the calendar: 
· Tech Talks: Sit down with your child and discuss their favourite apps, websites, and online interests. Ask questions, share your experiences, and learn together.
· Digital Storytelling: Encourage your child to create digital stories—whether it’s a photo collage, a short video, or a blog post. Let their creativity shine! 
· Online Safety Scavenger Hunt: Explore the internet together. Hunt for safe websites, identify potential risks, and discuss strategies for staying secure. 

Click here to view the calendar

Educational Sessions for Parents

Knowledge is power, especially in the digital realm. We have carefully selected a number of guest speakers to assist parents in making informed decisions to support their children. These include Vi Nguyen, Assistant Head of Junior School, Jason Milner, Hills Grammar Director of ICT Adam Wollins and Senior Constable Ethan West. The topics will be covered across 3 sessions and will centre around the following areas: Becoming Digital Mentors for Safer Online Spaces,  Session with our Psychologists: Helping students to develop a balanced approach to the digital world and The Legalities of the Digital World: Ensuring student safety online.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Lessons 

SEL isn’t limited to face-to-face interactions; it extends to the virtual world too. Our students will engage in SEL lessons specifically tailored to online safety. These lessons enhance emotional intelligence, empathy, and decision-making skills. After all, responsible digital citizens are emotionally aware ones. These sessions are for students and will occur throughout the month of May. 

Library Sessions on Internet Safety 

Our librarian has curated a collection of internet safety books. These aren’t dry manuals; they’re conversation starters. At school, we will read them with our students and discuss the characters’ choices, and explore real-world scenarios. The books are a fantastic gateway to meaningful dialogues about online security and privacy. 

Classroom Workshops 

Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping digital behaviour. In interactive workshops, they’ll address: 
· Responsible Tech Use: How can students strike a balance between screen time and other activities? 
· Privacy Settings: Empowering students to protect their personal information. 
· Respectful Online Behaviour: Encouraging kindness, empathy, and digital etiquette. 

Insights from Senior Constable Ethan 

Senior Constable Ethan, our local police liaison officer, will be sharing his firsthand knowledge about staying safe online. From cyberbullying to identifying trustworthy sources, his guidance is invaluable. 

Our Collective Responsibility 

As media mentors, we’re not just gatekeepers; we’re guides. Let’s foster a positive digital culture—one where curiosity thrives, creativity blooms, and safety prevails. Together, we’ll navigate the vast online ocean, ensuring our children sail confidently toward a brighter, safer horizon.  

Remember, being a media mentor isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Let’s embark on this journey together, armed with knowledge, empathy, and a commitment to digital well-being. Happy Media Mentor Month! Keep an eye out each week for a new article giving you more information about a particular element of keeping safe online.