Yarra Valley Grammar’s Digital Safety Success
See how YVG partnered with the Cyber Safety Project to empower teachers, engage students, and involve parents in building a safer digital community.
PARTNERSHIP
Commenced 2022
SCHOOL LEADER
Russell Monaghan
Middle Primary & Digital Technologies Coordinator
“I would strongly encourage anyone considering the program as part of their safety and wellbeing plan to consider the benefits it’s bought to our Junior School.”
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Teachers gained confidence with a comprehensive scope and sequenced curriculum.
- Students developed essential digital safety skills with age-appropriate, values-based lessons reinforced with in-person presentations.
- Parent webinars and information sessions were essential in fostering collaboration between school and home.
Summary
As part of our Cyber Safety Impact Series, we sat down with Russell Monaghan, Middle Primary & Digital Technologies Coordinator at Yarra Valley Grammar, to hear about how their school is navigating the tricky world of online safety.
Russell shared how Yarra Valley Grammar teamed up with the Cyber Safety Project to tackle the challenges of teaching effective cyber safety. The results? Students are more engaged, teachers feel confident and supported, and the whole school community (including parents) is coming together to build a safer digital environment.
The Challenge
As technology became an integral part of students’ lives, Yarra Valley Grammar identified the need for a structured approach to online safety. The school faced several challenges in embedding digital wellbeing into its curriculum:
- Teachers often struggled to find age-appropriate, up-to-date resources for lessons.
- Lessons on cyber safety were inconsistent and reactive, rather than proactive.
- Parents and staff found it difficult to address emerging digital issues effectively.
“Prior to using the Cyber Safety Project curriculum, teachers weren’t sure where to start.”
These challenges highlighted the need for a comprehensive program that could empower teachers, engage students, and involve families in fostering a culture of digital responsibility.
The Solution
After partnering with the Cyber Safety Project in 2022, YVG implemented a consistent, whole-school approach to online safety, embedding the program into their Junior School curriculum.
Curriculum Integration
YVG embedded the Cyber Safety Project’s curriculum-aligned lessons into their Prep to Year 6 program, delivering engaging, age-appropriate content. The sequential framework allowed teachers to build on concepts year after year, ensuring a consistent and proactive approach to digital safety and wellbeing.
“The framework provided a clear year-to-year progression of concepts that had previously been difficult to teach and explore with students.”
The program’s flexible resources, including videos, interactive activities, and discussion prompts, empowered teachers to deliver lessons confidently. The values-based approach ensured that lessons were not app-specific, making them relevant to all digital experiences students encounter.
Teacher Training
Teachers were supported with flexible on-demand professional learning, enabling them to deliver online safety lessons with increased confidence.
“Teachers are now familiar with the common language and values in the program, helping to build a culture of digital safety and wellbeing.”
Parent Engagement
YVG leveraged the Cyber Safety Project’s parent webinar series and information sessions to involve families in fostering a safer digital culture. These sessions provided parents with practical guidance on supporting their children’s online safety and encouraged open conversations at home.
“Parents have expressed that it can be overwhelming to know where to start when approaching technology use at home, but the program encourages them to play a part in setting their own culture of digital safety and wellbeing.”
The Results
The partnership with the Cyber Safety Project has delivered significant benefits for Yarra Valley Grammar:
✔ Increased teacher confidence:
Teachers are now equipped with the tools and knowledge to deliver engaging, effective lessons on digital safety.
✔ Improved student understanding:
Students have developed a shared language and consistent strategies for navigating the online world.
✔ Stronger family connections:
Parent engagement has fostered a collaborative approach to digital wellbeing.
✔ A proactive culture:
The school has shifted from a reactive to a proactive approach, embedding digital safety into everyday learning.
“Having a values-based approach to digital safety and wellbeing has allowed the Cyber Safety Project to coincide with other wellbeing programs.”
Key Advice
Ready to bring the Cyber Safety Project to your school?
Contact us today to learn how we can help.
