Why is this project important?

Children today live highly technology-immersed lives with unprecedented familiarity and reliance on digital technology (DT). Additionally, digital devices have become increasingly internet-enabled and portable. (Examples of digital technology used by primary school aged children include computers/laptops, tablets/ipads, smartphones, gaming consoles, smart TVs and smart speakers.) Although access to DT can have enormous educational and social benefits, their widespread use by children is not without risk, especially as children are still developing socially and emotionally and have limited capacity for sound decision-making.

Who is doing this project?

The project is being conducted by the Telethon Kids Institute in collaboration with the eSafety Commissioner, the WA Council of State Schools Organisations and the Catholic School Parents WA. The research team comprises Professor Donna Cross and Dr Kevin Runions from the Telethon Kids Institute; Associate Professor Matt Byrne, Edith Cowan University; and Dr Shirlee-Ann Knight and Dr Peter Dell from Curtin University.

What are the possible benefits of this project?

The Cyber Friendly Primary Schools resources have been developed in consultation with parents, teachers, principals as well as other relevant stakeholders. It is hoped the resource will:

• improve the social and emotional capabilities of students online; and
• build parent and teacher confidence and ability in supporting their children/students.

Should the website be found to be effective, it will be made available to all parents, teachers, and schools nationally. As part of this project we will also develop guidelines for education and information technology policy and practice.

This project is being conducted by the Telethon Kids Institute in collaboration with the eSafety Commissioner, the WA Council of State Schools Organisations and the Catholic School Parents WA.