College Community

Safeguarding our young people extends beyond the classroom and into the digital spaces they engage with every day. For today’s teenagers, the online world is where they learn, connect, and express themselves. Supporting them to navigate this safely is a vital part of safeguarding both at home and at school.

The eSafety Commissioner highlights that young people thrive when they feel supported by trusted adults who take an interest in their digital lives. Open, calm conversations about online experiences play an important role in safeguarding, encouraging young people to seek help early if something doesn’t feel right.

Understanding and responding to cyberbullying is also an important part of safeguarding. This may include unkind messages, exclusion, or the sharing of content intended to embarrass others. Encouraging young people to pause before responding, save evidence, and speak to a trusted adult can make a significant difference. In more serious cases, harmful content can be reported to the platform or to the eSafety Commissioner, who can assist with removal and provide support. Taking early action helps prevent issues from escalating.

Safeguarding also involves supporting young people to understand respectful behaviour regarding image sharing. Teenagers may not always recognise the serious consequences of sharing images without consent. In NSW, it is an offence to share or threaten to share intimate images without consent, with additional protections in place for young people. Conversations about consent, respect, and digital responsibility are key. A simple message reinforced by the eSafety Commissioner is to always ask before sharing and to remove content if someone changes their mind. If needed, services such as eSafety and “Take It Down” can assist in having content removed quickly.

At St Brigid’s, safeguarding is central to how we support students and families, including in the online environment. We are committed to working in partnership with parents to guide young people in developing safe and respectful digital habits. Through education, wellbeing support, and open communication, we help students navigate challenges and know where to seek help. If concerns arise, we encourage families to reach out early—our team is here to provide support and guidance. Together, we can ensure a proactive approach to safeguarding that helps our young people feel safe, confident, and supported both online and offline.

Please click HERE to access the Parent Safeguarding brochure.