National Child Protection Week

This week is National Child Protection Week - Putting Children First, highlighting the importance of ensuring we always put the protection of children first and not become complacent in making sure children are safe no matter where they are. As parents we are responsible for ensuring our children are safe in their home, in the community and to understand how they are safe at school and when learning online.

As members of a Catholic learning community we also need to look out for other children and make sure we don't turn a blind eye to any red flags. 

CSPV will soon update parents with further information about reporting any child safety concerns and we encourage you to be informed of the policies available on your school website or seek further information from your school.

What is Catholic Education doing to keep children safe?

Executive Director of the Catholic Education Melbourne, Jim Miles said in a statement today, ‘The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a central and fundamental responsibility of Catholic education,’ 

‘This commitment to young people is, and must be, at the heart of Catholic schools, inspired by the gospel message of love and justice and the Church’s core teaching on the inherent dignity of all people,’ he said.

‘Catholic education has done much to strengthen its environment of wellbeing and protection and remains committed to continuous improvement and review of its policies and procedures.

‘Child Protection Week provides an important opportunity for Catholic schools to re-affirm their commitment to cultures that not only keep children safe and nurture their wellbeing, but also foster their agency and development.

Child Safety Online

Now more than ever it's critical for children to be supervised as they spend more time online, whether it be for home learning or in their leisure time. As parents it can be difficult to fully supervise and know what children are doing online, especially when you are trying to juggle working from home and supporting their learning concurrently. 

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner continues to develop great resources for parents to access to ensure children are safe online. 

During National Child Protection Week there are several webinars coming up that you may be interested in viewing related to online safety for children.

These live webinars explore the latest research and they are a great way to learn how you can help your child develop the skills to be safer online. 

All sessions are delivered by eSafety expert educators.

How to have tricky conversations

This article from the esafety Commissioner explores tackling subjects with your child about online safety issues that may be difficult to talk about. 

Perhaps your child has been bullied online, sent or received an intimate image, or come across pornography online. Conversations about experiences like these can be difficult.  

Click on the link below for the full article in how to manage these conversations: