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Staying safe online

The eSmart program is an initiative of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, which uses a cultural change approach to improve cyber safety, increase digital literacy and reduce cyber bullying across Australia.  Bayside Library Service is proud to have been one of the first to be a certified eSmart Library in Victoria.
 

eSmart libraries

Bayside libraries were the second library service in Australia to reach eSmart status; having achieved this in September 2014. An eSmart library is a library in which the smart, safe and responsible use of digital technologies is the norm, and all members of the library community are equipped to embrace the best these technologies can offer, while being perceptive and proactive about the pitfalls.


Protecting your personal information is a very important aspect of staying safe online. So do you know what you need to protect and how?

Some quick steps to take to keep you safe online:

  1. Keep your profile set to private and check your settings regularly.
  2. Don't share personal information, and protect yourself from strangers online.
  3. Think about your personal safety before you 'check in' or use location-based services.
  4. Manage your digital reputation responsibly.
  5. Respect others and look after each other online.

Dealing with online bullying

  1. Block the cyberbully.
  2. Take a screenshot as evidence of the cyberbullying.
  3. Report offensive material to the website administrator or service provider.
  4. Talk to a friend or trusted adult.
  5. For more help, call the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or contact the police on (03) 8530 5100 for non-urgent matters or 000 for emergencies.

Tips for parents and carers

Parental controls are useful when children have access to mobile phones, tablets and computers. They can allow you to restrict what content can be accessed on these devices. Placing parental controls on devices can ensure that your children are only able to access age-appropriate material.

Useful websites