Dear Parents,

We have received a report that a Cyber Predator may have targeted students from St. Joseph’s using their Facebook accounts. Could I remind all parents and students of the following procedures to follow when communicating online.

1)    If you feel that an online conversation makes you feel uncomfortable, end the conversation and report this to your parents. Never keep this to yourself.

2)    Avoid problem sites or messages.

3)    Block users who cause problems.

4)    Never reveal personal information about yourself online.

5)    Never arrange to meet someone that you have only met online.

6)    Never assume that online person is representing themselves honestly.

7)    Save any information that you can by printing it if possible, or saving the information to your computer.

8)    Again remember that you are never alone, talk to your parents or teachers if you feel at risk.

For Facebook Accounts:

9)    Only add real friends to your Facebook accounts that you have know. It can be dangerous to add friends of friends to your account. You may wish to do an audit of your contact list on facebook and remove any people that you do not know personally. Both Male and ALLEGED Female contacts.

10)    Set your privacy settings to high.

Our ICT Coordinator Vikki Anderson will be contributing regularly to the College Newsletter about these issues and is always available to parents who wish to ask further questions.

Can I also refer parents to the Federal Governments Cyber Safety Web Site for further information. http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/ Next week, all families will be receiving a Cyber Safety brochure outlining how to keep your family safe online.

If you are concerned that your son has been targeted by a Cyber Predator after contacting the Police could parents also advise the College by contacting the relevant Year Level Coordinator.

Yours faithfully,

John Fazzino

Deputy Principal