#OMG! Optus’ Digital Thumbprint Program returns to Atherton

Eased restrictions enable the program to visit nine schools across Far North Queensland

This week marks the face-to-face return of Optus’ Digital Thumbprint Program in Atherton, with Atherton State High School students being armed with online safety skills after taking part in the free-in-school program that supports young people to be safe, responsible and positive online.

Atherton State High School students in years 7 to 9 took park in Optus’ Digital Thumbprint program which aims to equip them with simple and effective tools for being safe online. This forms part of a two-week long roadshow across Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Atherton, Mareeba and Cairns which will visit over 3000 students across nine schools.

Optus Territory General Manager for Central and Far North Queensland, Dave Morrissey, said given eased restrictions in the state, he was thrilled to see the interactive program return, sparking conversations with the students at Atherton State High School around digital practice as well as some of the other challenging topics related to the online world.

“With the current situation driving more online activity, conversations around necessary precautions such as creating strong passwords and enabling privacy settings on social media have become more important than ever. 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 these 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. It’s also a timely reminder as students head into school holidays, having more time to spend and share on social media.

“Making sure to implement ways to keep Australians safe as a priority during this time, whilst also continuing to educate, we expanded on our original face-to-face Digital Thumbprint Program delivery model to offer digital versions. With Queensland moving into the new normal, it’s great to bring back the face-to-face workshops, educating students across Central and Far North Queensland on key issues such as how to protect your identity and information online and building positive and respectful relationships online. Teachers can also continue the learning for students in their schools with our new interactive digital workshops.”

Since the program’s launch in 2013, the Optus Digital Thumbprint Program has educated over 330,000 primary and secondary students across Australia on how to be safer and smarter online. In 2019, almost 50,000 students were reached during that year alone.

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

(Above) Atherton State High School students particpating in Optus' Digital Thumbprint Program 

Media contact:
Optus Corporate Affairs
(02) 8082 7850
media@optus.com.au