An important part of the Wellbeing team's work is in the online safety space. We are often asked by parents and carers as well as students how best to support each other in the online world. Online spaces should be safe for everyone. If your child sees violent or distressing material, it is important to check in and talk to them about the content they have seen. We also recommend that children use devices in open areas of the home, rather than in their bedroom, so you can be attuned to how they are coping and what they are reading or watching.

Tips on how to deal with violent and distressing content
· Don't share it further – even if your intention is to help or raise awareness, you may cause distress to others.
· Report it to the platform to help get the material removed quickly.
· If the material is not removed, you can report it to eSafety. eSafety can notify the platform to either remove the content or block access from within Australia. Your actions could protect you and others from seeing that content again.
You can find more guidance and information about distressing online content below.

Relevant resources
We understand as a parent or carer you may want to take extra precautions against your children seeing disturbing content online. eSafety has a range of helpful resources including:
For kids and young people
· I saw something online I didn't like (for primary-school aged children)
· Dealing with disturbing content (for teenagers)
For parents and carers
· How to get started with parental controls
· General online safety advice for parents

Support services
If your child, or someone you know, has come across disturbing content online, there are a range of counselling services you can reach out to for help and support.
If a life is in danger call Triple Zero (000) right now.   
· Kids Helpline, for 5–25-year-olds: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au (webchat is also available).  
· headspace: support for young people, professionals, educators and families   
· Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au  
· Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au  
More support services, including state-based services aimed at parents and carers, are listed here.

Over the next 2 weeks students will be involved in 2 annual surveys that the College conducts. Next week, students will have time in SWS to take part in the Mission Australia Survey and in Week 5, students will engage in the Cyber Safety Project Survey. These surveys are integral in informing the College in both wellbeing and electronic device use both at home and in the College. We encourage parents and students to discuss with each other their responses to the surveys.

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to spend time with our fantastic Year 11 students. Our Year 11 retreat is usually held over one night, and is an important part of developing our students' leadership skills as senior students and reflection as a member of the College community. Feedback from the students has indicated that the retreat was both meaningful and a great experience that they will cherish for many years to come. I thank all the staff who attended the retreat.