Online safety is something that can be learned
Being online has become part of everyday life.
We’re online daily to stay in touch with family and friends, shop, watch videos, learn new things, find support and connect with people who share our interests.
This can be a fantastic tool for building independence and staying connected to the world around us, but just like in the real world, it's important to know how to stay safe.
At roundsquared, we've had more conversations lately about online scams, fake social media profiles, unexpected messages from strangers and people sharing more personal information than they realise.
The good news is that online safety is something that can be learned. Like catching a bus, managing money or learning to cook, it gets easier with practice and the right support.
Not Everything Needs to Be Shared
Sometimes we forget how much information about ourselves is online.
A photo outside your house.
A screenshot showing personal details.
A post telling people where you are every day.
A message sharing your phone number, address or banking details.
Before posting something online, it can be helpful to ask:
"Would I give this information to someone I just met at the shops?"
If the answer is no, it probably shouldn't be shared online either.
Scams Are Getting Smarter
Scams don't always look like scams anymore; they can appear as messages from your bank, MyGov, Australia Post or even somebody wanting to be your friend.
They often create a sense of urgency with messages like:
"Your account has been locked."
"Click this link immediately."
"Send payment today."
One of the best things you can do is slow down. Just take a moment, ask some questions.
Check with somebody you trust before clicking links, sharing information or sending money.
Learning Online Safety Together
One thing we've learned is that online safety isn't something people learn from being told what not to do. It comes from having conversations.
Support workers, families and carers can make a huge difference by talking about online safety in everyday situations.
If a strange message appears, talk about it together.
If somebody receives a friend request from a person they don't know, explore it together.
If an email feels suspicious, use it as a learning opportunity.
Some useful questions to ask:
Does this seem genuine?
What information are they asking for?
How can we check if it's real?
Who could we ask for help?
Asking these kinds of questions can help us build confidence and critical thinking.
The goal isn't to make people afraid of technology.
The goal is to help people feel confident using it.
Online Safety Is a Skill
Just like any other skill, online safety can be practised.Some people find it helpful to role-play situations before they happen.
For example:
What would you do if someone asked for money online?
What would you do if someone asked for your password?
What would you do if a stranger wanted to meet in person?
What would you do if something online made you feel uncomfortable?
Talking through these situations ahead of time can make it easier to recognise warning signs when they occur.
A simple strategy we often recommend is:
Stop. Check. Ask.
Before clicking a link, accepting a friend request, sharing personal information or making a payment:
Stop. Check. Ask.
It's a simple habit that can prevent a lot of problems.
Resources We Recommend
eSafety Commissioner Easy Read Resources
The eSafety Commissioner has developed excellent Easy Read resources specifically designed for people with disability. Topics include staying safe online, cyberbullying, online abuse, privacy and what to do if something goes wrong.
Scope's Be Safe Online Toolkit
This free resource includes Easy English information about scams, online friendships, consent, social media, digital footprints and reporting online abuse. It was designed specifically for people with disability and those supporting them.
Disability Gateway
The Disability Gateway provides trusted, accessible information for people with disability, families, carers and support workers. It includes Easy Read resources and access to a range of support services.
Digital Champions – Down Syndrome Australia
One of the most exciting programs we've come across is Digital Champions, a partnership between Down Syndrome Australia and Good Things Australia.
The program employs and trains people with intellectual disability to teach community organisations, support workers and peers about digital safety and technology. The Digital Champions have completed digital literacy training and now share their lived experience to help others feel more confident and safer online. Training is delivered both online and face-to-face.
We particularly like this program because it recognises that people with lived experience are often some of the best teachers.
The Internet Should Open Doors
Technology can help us connect with people, find employment, build skills, explore interests and participate in our communities.
We don't want people to be scared of being online - we want people to have the skills and confidence to use technology safely.
Like most things in life, online safety isn't about being perfect.
It's about asking questions, learning as you go and knowing where to turn when something doesn't feel right.
And sometimes the smartest thing you can do online is simply pause, take a breath and ask somebody you trust before clicking "send".