Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework

Issues such as complaince, safety in the curriculum, duty of care and bullying.

Cybersafety

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for contacts and links

Do you need to comply?

Yes, under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic.) and the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2007 (Vic).  

Conditions of compliance

It is a requirement of The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) that schools have policies and procedures in place in relation to student bullying. These regulations stem from the Education & Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic)

Schools have a responsibility to provide a safe and supportive environment for all their students where the risk of harm is minimised. Cybersafety needs to be addressed as part of a planned whole school approach which is integrated into all student wellbeing policies.

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

1. Establish a cybersafety team.

2. Establish a cybersafety contact person

3. Develop appropriate policies and procedures which include:

• Explicit guidelines for acceptable and appropriate online behaviour.
• Expectations of students online and clear consequences for engaging in hostile behaviour online
• Methods for redressing inappropriate behaviour
• ‘Bystander’ reporting rules
• A clear and explicit process for investigating complaints and the follow up support and protection of the reporter.

NB: These policies should be extended beyond school based online behaviour to behaviour that occurs outside of school hours or the school grounds that involves or impacts on students from the school.

4. Educate students

• Understanding cyberbullying (PDF)
• Digital Media Literacy
• Positive online behaviour
• Peer and personal safety
• Security

5. Educate parents

• Parent information sessions
• Parent awareness raising and skill building training
• Newsletter items outlining the schools’ cybersafety policy and procedures

6. Educate staff

• Professional development training
• Student Technology Audit
• Lesson plans
• Legal obligations to minimise and address risks – 'Duty of Care'

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

You may be in breach of requirements of the Act. You may be compromising the wellbeing of your students.

Who will help you?

Independent Schools Victoria contact:

Annia Dear
Risk and Compliance Advisor
Ph. 9825 7275
annia.dear@independentschools.vic.edu.au

Elspeth Adamson
Manager, Student Services
Ph. 9825 7204
elspeth.adamson@independentschools.vic.edu.au

Irene Anderson
Education Consultant
Ph: 9825 7260
irene.anderson@independentschools.vic.edu.au

Independent Schools Victoria links:

Cybersafety Information Sheet (PDF)

Guidelines and Checklist for Acceptable Use Policies and Agreements (password protected) (PDF)

Teachers Online

Other links:

ACMA: Schools Gateway Resources

DEECD: Cybersafety

DEECD: Cyberbullying

DEECD: Using Social Media

The Free Child Project: Ladder of Young Peoples Participation