Cyber Safety Update – Supporting Our Students and Families Online
Keeping children safe online is a shared responsibility between schools, families, and the wider community. As digital access grows, so does the need for strong cyber‑safe habits and awareness. The Queensland Department of Education provides extensive guidance to help students participate safely and confidently in the digital world.
Cyber Safety in Queensland Schools
The Department of Education supports every child to learn and engage safely online. Queensland schools use a range of age‑appropriate resources, including:
- Your Digital Journey (Years 3–6)
- Enhancing Your Digital Identity (Years 7–10)
- Cyber Heroes (Primary years)
These programs help young people understand privacy, respectful behaviours, and responsible online choices. You can access further information @ [qld.gov.au]
Parents can support safe habits at home by:
- Placing devices in open, visible areas
- Talking regularly about safe and respectful behaviour
- Setting clear rules for screen time and app use
- Using parental controls and monitoring tools
- Creating a safety plan for what to do if something goes wrong online
For more parent guidance, the Department offers the Online Awareness for Parents and Caregivers information sheet and links directly to the eSafety Commissioner, Australia’s national online safety regulator.
Helpful Government Cyber Safety Links for Parents
Queensland Government – Cybersafety for Schools
https://www.qld.gov.au/education/schools/health/cybersafety/cybersafety-qss
Department of Education – General Cybersafety Hub
https://www.qld.gov.au/education/schools/health/cybersafety
eSafety Commissioner – Parent Support
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
(Parent guides, reporting tools, app safety information)
Additional Support Services
Enterprise resources also highlight important support services for parents, staff, and students, including:
- Kids Helpline (24/7 support ages 5–25)
- Headspace (Youth mental health 12–25)
- Youth Beyond Blue (Wellbeing support)
These services can help families navigate online harm, cyberbullying, or digital wellbeing issues.
New Under‑16 Online Use Laws (Australia & Queensland)
Australia has introduced world‑first age restrictions for social media use to protect the wellbeing of young people. The new laws are now in effect.
What the Law Says
From 10 December 2025, major social media platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from holding accounts.
This includes: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, Threads, Kick, X (Twitter) and more.
Importantly:
- It is not a ban on children using the internet.
- Penalties apply to the platforms, not to children or parents.
- Young people may still view publicly accessible content without logging in.
View further information @ [esafety.gov.au]
The law forms part of amendments to the Online Safety Act, prioritising child safety and reducing exposure to harmful content, addictive design features, and cyberbullying.
Why the Law Was Introduced
Government and health experts raised concerns about:
- Online bullying
- Harmful or inappropriate content
- Mental health impacts
- Excessive screen time and addictive algorithms
Further information @ [gigwise.com]
This change aims to give young people more time to build emotional and digital resilience before using high‑risk platforms. Further information @ [youth.gov.au]
Where Parents Can Learn More
eSafety Commissioner – Social Media Age Restrictions
https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions [esafety.gov.au]
Australian Government – Youth Office: Minimum Age Information
https://www.youth.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/social-media-age-restrictions
[youth.gov.au]
UNICEF Explainer – Social Media Ban for Under‑16s
https://www.unicef.org.au/unicef-youth/staying-safe-online/social-media-ban-explainer [unicef.org.au]
Working Together for Online Safety
Cyber safety is ever‑changing, and we encourage families to stay informed and engaged. Please reach out to the school if you have concerns about your child’s online experiences. We’re here to help support safe, respectful, and positive digital learning for every student.