Joshua Aghion – Co-ordinator of Innovation (K-6)

Are they old enough?
A discussion of technology milestones

This wonderful article from the eSafety Commissioner website is a highly recommended read for all parents. The in-depth overview of technology milestones discusses the time frames that are appropriate for children to have access to different forms of technology and social media. 

The highlights of the article are: 

• Each child is different. Their maturity level, knowledge of what to do if something goes wrong and level of responsibility are the use of technology will determine if they are ready for a smartphone or the internet. 
• Students need to learn about and be constantly reminded about:  
  • • • • • • How to manage negative online interactions.
            • The importance of protecting their information online.
            • Privacy and security settings and who has access to their information.
            • What is safe to share with others online.
            • How to report negative online behaviour or cyberbullying.
            • Your family rules and expectations around using technology.

At school, expectations around behaviour are continuously reviewed, summarised and offered as reminders before we begin an activity. For example, if students are going to be moving around the room, the teacher would remind them how to move (walk not run or one at a time in a particular area) as this sets students up for success. The same exists for student’s interactions with technology. They need to be reminded daily about expectations around how phones and devices are to be used and your family rules around being on the internet. In the car on the way to school could be a perfect uninterrupted opportunity to have these conversations.

We cover all of these concepts in lessons at school, but we know that covering this content even once a term is not enough of an opportunity for every student to learn what they need to know to remain safe. 

If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to get in touch with me.