New eSmart resources
The eSmart research team always strives to develop quality in-house evidence-based resources that schools can use to support them in their eSmart journey. We are pleased to announce three new eSmart guidance resources with a focus on bullying. We hope you’ll find these resources valuable.
From bystanding to upstanding
This four-part series looks at the shift students can make from bystanding to upstanding behaviour when faced with bullying and cyber bullying and how schools can create supportive environments to elicit this change.
These resources are relevant for Domain 5 Target 5.2 in the eSmart System Tool.
Reporting systems for students: why do schools need reporting systems?
This article evaluates the importance of students being able to report incidences to school staff and the mechanisms that need to be in place for this to occur effectively.
This resource is relevant for Domain 1 Target 1.4 in the eSmart System Tool.
Responding to incidents of bullying and cyber bullying
As staff members are often called on to deal with incidents of bullying and cyber bullying, this article explores ways schools can manage these incidences in a timely and sensitive manner.
This resource is relevant for Domain 4 Target 4.3 in the eSmart System Tool.
Guidance for parents
eSmart’s aim is to help a school maintain a supported and connected community to reduce online and offline bullying and increase wellbeing. Often parents are unsure of what they can do to support their children when issues arise.
This eSmart guidance article looks at why students don’t block or report cyber bullying and what parents can do. It is an excellent document to include in your school newsletter or on the parent page of your school’s website.
School exemplars
While it is important for schools to get support from their eSmart Advisors, often the best guidance can come from those who have been there before. We always like to showcase excellent contributions from schools that have achieved eSmart status to inspire you as you work through the eSmart framework.
Doing distance – guidelines and expectations
Advance College of Education's (VIC) Doing distance – guidelines and expectations has been developed to ensure the school can continue to connect with, engage and support all students when distance learning is required.
Be an upstander
Miandetta Primary School’s (TAS) Be an upstander presentation emphasises the importance of students using upstanding behaviour to speak up against bullying.
Wellbeing policy
Mount Stuart Primary School’s (TAS) Wellbeing policy outlines the rights and responsibilities for all members of the school community. It sets out the actions and consequences members need to take to ensure all people’s safety and wellbeing are supported.
INDUSTRY AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Office of the eSafety Commissioner's eSafety Guide
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner’s eSafety Guide is an excellent resource that can be shared with staff and parents. It showcases the apps that young people currently use, with tips on how they can be used safely.
Both staff and parents can use this resource when speaking with young people to ensure they know how to:
- set their apps up correctly
- report online abuse
- block someone
- protect their privacy.
Implementing evidence-based strategies to improve student wellbeing – Teacher Magazine
A recent review of student wellbeing interventions urges Australian schools to prioritise ‘belonging and connectedness’, provide targeted support to students with additional needs and build teacher capacity in wellbeing support.
A guide to enjoying tech gifts safely – Office of the eSafety Commissioner
This summer, many families will be enjoying new toys and gadgets with internet connectivity. This guide provides families with guidance on which tech items are right for them, how to protect their security and privacy, as well as how to enjoy the tech responsibly.
eSmart support meetings
We are aware that many schools were unable to devote time to work through their eSmart journey for most of 2020, and that is totally OK! Priority was given to the core business of navigating remote learning and then transitioning back to face-to-face learning.
With 2021 getting back on a more even keel, the eSmart Team would love to help you reconnect with your eSmart journey, discuss the work that was completed last year and how it adds value to your eSmart progression. While your eSmart Advisor will connect with you throughout the year, please reach out to us directly for advice and new resources.
Please contact your eSmart Advisor to arrange a quick check-in or email our support team to request a support meeting.
eSmart stories
eSmart stories is a way for any school to share their experiences and celebrate their success, no matter where they are along the journey.
We hope that these stories provide ideas and guidance that can help with your own eSmart journey.
This term, St Michael’s Grammar School in Victoria shares their eSmart story.
If you have a story to share, please contact your eSmart Advisor.
eSmart communication survey
At eSmart, we strive to provide the highest level of service to our schools. To continue supporting you the best way we can, we’d appreciate it if you could take two minutes to complete our short survey on communication in 2021.
National eSmart Week 2021 – registrations are now open
You can now register your school for this year’s National eSmart Week, held from 6-12 September 2021. Mark this week of celebrations in your calendar now to help promote the smart, safe and responsible use of digital technology.
A toolkit of ideas and online activities will be sent to registrants before the event for easy implementation.
Remember to follow us on eSmart Twitter and register here for National eSmart Week in 2021.
