Switched on: Mount Austin High School students up their cyber safety game with Optus’ Digital Thumbprint program

On Tuesday 30 July 2019, Mount Austin High School students were armed with online safety skills after participating in Optus’ Digital Thumbprint roadshow, a free in-school program that supports young people to be safe, responsible and positive online. A total of 400 students at Mount Austin High School between Years 7 to 10 took part in Optus’ Digital Thumbprint program which aims to equip them with simple and effective tools for being safe online.

Matt Connell, Optus’ Territory General Manager for Southern New South Wales said he was thrilled to bring the roadshow to students at Mount Austin High School as safe digital practice starts with a simple conversation around some of the challenging topics related to the online world.

“As a leading provider of internet technology, it’s important for us to highlight to students that they don’t have to be an expert at navigating the internet to practice safe habits. The Digital Thumbprint program ensures students are able to take home some valuable skills when it comes to cybersecurity, verifying credible information and what to keep in mind to create a positive digital footprint.”

“In this day and age students are always online, whether it’s to complete school work or stay in touch with their friends and family. The program has been designed to incorporate an interactive and original approach to educating students on key issues such as how to protect your identity and information online and building positive and respectful relationships online.”

“Students learned how easily things can spread when shared on the internet to make sure they are aware of how valuable taking precautions such as creating strong passwords and enabling privacy settings on social media can be.”

“As part of this roadshow, this week we have created awareness around how to be safe, responsible and positive online by bringing Optus’ Digital Thumbprint program to high schools in Leeton, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Wodonga, teaching Year 7 to 10 students how they can shape their future for the better.”

Mount Austin High School Relieving Principal, Michelle Waugh, said: “At Mount Austin High we highly value student wellbeing and see that regularly reminding students about cyber safety and cyber citizenship are important lessons for life.”

Since 2013, the government accredited Optus Digital Thumbprint program has educated over 300,000 primary and secondary students across Australia on how to be safer and smarter online.

Optus Digital Thumbprint is completely free for schools and does not promote any Optus products or services.

Mt Austin High School students participating in Optus' Digital Thumbprint Program

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