Chaz Mostert supports Optus Digital Thumbprint

Supercars driver and Optus ambassador Chaz Mostert recently visited students at Balga Senior High School to talk about the importance of staying safe online as part of Optus’ Digital Thumbprint program.

The free in-school program supports digital safety and wellbeing with educational workshops, guides, and resources for young people and families.

Chaz was accompanied by Walkinshaw Andretti United CEO Bruce Stewart, as well as his No. 25 Ford Mustang GT and team truck, which students toured.

The Mobil 1 Optus Racing Driver and two-time Bathurst 1000 racing champion said, “Education is key to protecting our kids and this age group can be particularly vulnerable to cyberbullying.

“I’m passionate about creating a safer environment online, it’s a privilege to talk to students directly about what is and isn’t okay on the internet, everyone deserves to feel safe online,” said Mostert.

Dave Morrisey, Optus Localisation General Manager WA and QLD said Optus is continuing to invest and expand the program to help young people and families to stay safe online.

“Our resources are constantly being updated to ensure we provide accurate and up-to-date information in a format that appeals to young people and their families,” Mr Morrisey said.

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The day was very well received by the students and staff at Balga Senior Hill School, north of Perth.

Deputy Principal at Balga Senior High School, Hayley McGill said, “It was a fantastic experience for our students to hear firsthand from Chaz and Bruce about their experiences online, particularly around cyberbullying, and for students to learn tips from the Digital Thumbprint program on how to stay safe and be respectful.”

More than 620,000 primary and secondary students have participated in the interactive workshops across Australia since 2013 learning about cybersecurity, cyberbullying and respectful relationships online, digital identity, digital balance and digital discernment.

The program is an accredited Trusted eSafety Provider program through the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

Schools and families that are interested in learning more can visit www.digitalthumbprint.com.au for free resources.

Following the Digital Thumbprint workshop, select STEM students from Balga High School attended the Perth Supercars event on 17 May, where they went on a behind the scenes experience with the team from Walkinshaw Andretti United including an exclusive pit tour prior to the car taking to the track that afternoon.

For young people

• Blocking unwanted contact guide
• Cyberbullying quiz
• Cyberbullying: what to do when things go wrong guide
• Digital Balance quiz
• Fake friends and fake profiles quiz
• Hackers, scammers and fake friends guide
• Lifehacks for a balanced time online guide
• Passphrases, passwords and MFA guide and quiz
• Protecting personal information quiz
• Scammers and fake friends quiz

For Families

• Balancing time online guide
• Blocking unwanted contact for your child guide
• Cyberbullying: What to say when things go wrong online guide
• First Phone Readiness guide and quiz
• Passphrases, passwords and MFA for your child guide
• Recognising hackers, scammers and fake friends guide
• Safeguard your child’s privacy on popular apps and games guide
• Stay ahead of scams through family discussions guide

eSafety Commissioner to report cyberbullying, image-based abuse, and illegal and restricted content

Australian Cyber Security Centre - Auto report cybercrime, including online threats and abuse, scams and hacks, data breaches, identity theft and fraud.

Scamwatch to report scams.

Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation to report online grooming and inappropriate contact

IDCARE to get identity theft, data breach, scam and cyber security support.

If your child needs to talk to someone about their feelings or worries, they can contact:

Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 for free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling services.

13YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7) for a free, private and confidential talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.

Optus Digital Thumbprint supports digital safety and wellbeing for young people and families. Find out more at www.digitalthumbprint.com.au