#OMG! Optus’ Digital Thumbprint Program returns to Townsville

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 Townsville, with St Patrick's College 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.

Over 100 students from St Patrick's College 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 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 St Patrick's College 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 interactive approach of the program, 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.”

Since the program’s launch in 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. 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) Students participating in Optus' Digital Thumprint Program at  St Patrick's College

(Above) Optus Territory General Manager for Central and Far North Queensland, Dave Morrissey at  St Patrick's College

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