Become anOnline Chaperone

Being an Online Chaperone isn’t just a job – it’s a mission! Imagine being the guardian angel of cyberspace, protecting others from online hazards while promoting positivity and creativity. By becoming an Online Chaperone, you’ll make a real difference in people’s lives, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the wonders of the internet safely.

• Protect young people from online threats.
• Promote safe and positive digital interactions.
• Educate others about online safety and privacy.
• Make the internet a safer place for everyone.

As an Online Chaperone, your main role is to provide guidance and support to internet users, especially young people, to help them stay safe online. You’ll monitor online activities, educate users about cyber risks, and intervene when necessary to prevent harmful situations.

As guardians of the internet, they monitor digital spaces, guide online interactions, and educate both kids and parents about best practices for online safety. Think of them as the friendly neighbourhood watch of the virtual world, helping to create a secure digital environment for everyone.

A Day in the Life of an Online Chaperone:

Monitor Social Media and Gaming Platforms

Keep an eye on social media networks and gaming communities, looking out for inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and potential threats to young users.

Conduct Online Safety Workshops

Host interactive workshops or webinars for parents, teachers, and students on safe online behaviour, digital literacy, and privacy management.

Guide Digital Interactions

Provide real-time guidance to young people while they navigate social media or online games, offering tips on handling strangers, managing privacy settings, and reporting issues.

Collaborate with Cybersecurity Teams

Work with cybersecurity experts to identify new online risks and develop strategies to protect young users from emerging threats.

Respond to Online Incidents

Act quickly to handle incidents such as cyberbullying, phishing attempts, or exposure to harmful content, ensuring appropriate steps are taken to secure the digital environment.

Create Engaging Educational Content

Develop fun and informative content like videos, blogs, and social media posts that teach young people about online etiquette, digital footprints, and staying safe on the web.

Step into the diverse world of Online Chaperoning, where your skills are needed across various industries to ensure digital safety and wellbeing.

• Education
• Technology
• Social media
• Gaming
• Child protection services
• Cybersecurity

To become an Online Chaperone, you need a versatile skill set tailored to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape while ensuring the safety and well-being of internet users, particularly young individuals. Here are the essential skills required:

Communication

Master the art of effective communication to convey complex concepts in simple terms and engage with diverse online audiences. Clear communication is vital for delivering online safety messages and building trust with users.

Empathy

Cultivate empathy to understand the perspectives and emotions of those you’re assisting online. Empathy allows you to connect with individuals experiencing digital challenges and provide support in a compassionate manner.

Critical Thinking

Develop sharp critical thinking skills to assess online situations, identify potential risks, and devise proactive strategies to address them. Critical thinking enables you to evaluate information critically, discern credible sources, and make informed decisions to promote online safety.

Problem-Solving

Hone your problem-solving abilities to effectively resolve online conflicts, tackle cyberbullying incidents, and address various digital challenges. As an Online Chaperone, you’ll encounter diverse situations requiring creative problem-solving skills to find practical solutions.

Digital Literacy

Stay ahead in the digital age by continuously enhancing your digital literacy skills. Understanding internet technologies, online platforms, and digital trends is essential for providing relevant advice, guidance, and resources to internet users navigating the online world.

Adaptability

Embrace adaptability as a core skill to thrive in the fast-paced and ever-changing digital environment. Online Chaperones must remain flexible and adaptable to emerging technologies, new online threats, and evolving user behaviours, adjusting their approaches accordingly to ensure effective online safety measures.

By honing these skills, aspiring Online Chaperones can embark on their journey equipped to make a meaningful difference in promoting online safety and fostering positive digital experiences for all.

Prepare for your Online Chaperone adventure by mastering key STEM subjects that lay the foundation for success in this dynamic career.

Computing/ICT (Information and Communication Technology)

Understand the digital landscape and technological tools.

Psychology

Develop insights into human behaviour and motivations online.

English

Hone communication skills for effective online interactions.

Ethics

Navigate ethical dilemmas and make responsible decisions in the digital realm.

Sociology

Explore the social dynamics of online communities and relationships.

Media Studies

Analyse digital media content and its impact on society.

EXPLORE: https://student.scsa.wa.edu.au/

From hosting online safety workshops to creating engaging educational content, Online Chaperones have endless opportunities to make a positive impact in the digital world. You might even collaborate with influencers or game developers to promote online safety in exciting ways!

Host a Virtual Safe Space Hangout

Create and manage an online space where kids and teens can chat, play games, and interact safely while teaching them about online etiquette and privacy.

Track Down Cyberbullies

Use detective skills to identify and report cyberbullies, trolls, or anyone spreading harmful content, turning the internet into a safer place for everyone.

Design Cool Safety Challenges

Create fun online challenges that teach young people how to spot phishing scams, set up strong passwords, or recognize suspicious links, turning learning into an adventure.

Build Digital Trust Networks

Work with social media platforms, gaming companies, and schools to create networks that promote safe online communities and foster positive digital interactions.

Rescue Digital Footprints

Help kids clean up their digital footprints by guiding them on how to manage privacy settings, remove old or harmful posts, and understand the importance of their online reputation.

Create Fun and Informative Content

Develop engaging videos, memes, or interactive quizzes that teach online safety in a way that’s entertaining and relatable, making safety cool and accessible for young people.

While Online Chaperoning may not have celebrities in the traditional sense, there are individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting online safety and digital well-being, gaining recognition for their efforts. Here are some notable figures:

Julie Inman Grant

As the eSafety Commissioner of Australia, Julie Inman Grant leads initiatives to protect Australians, especially young people, from online harms. She is a global leader in online safety advocacy, driving programs that promote digital wellbeing and protect against cyberbullying and exploitation.

Dr. Joanne Orlando

A digital wellbeing and child safety expert, Dr. Orlando advises families and schools on how to navigate the online world safely. She frequently appears in the media, sharing insights on managing technology use among children and teens and helping build healthier digital habits.

Susan McLean

Known as Australia’s “Cyber Cop,” Susan McLean is a leading expert in cyber safety and cyberbullying. A former police officer, she provides workshops and training for schools, parents, and organisations on safe online behaviour, cyberbullying prevention, and digital reputation management.

Karly Johnston

Founder of Safe on Social, Karly Johnston educates parents, teachers, and students about online safety, privacy, and the impact of social media. She is a passionate advocate for building digital resilience in young people and promotes safe online practices across Australia.

Leonie Smith

A cyber safety advocate and educator, Leonie Smith is widely respected for her work in helping young people navigate the digital world safely. Through her engaging presentations and online resources, she empowers parents and educators with practical strategies for promoting online safety and digital literacy.

Jordan Foster

As a psychologist specialising in digital well-being, Jordan Foster has become a prominent voice in the field of online safety and mental health. Through her research and advocacy, she sheds light on the psychological impact of digital technologies and advocates for a balanced approach to online engagement.

While not household names, these individuals have played instrumental roles in raising awareness about online safety and empowering individuals to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. Their contributions serve as inspiration for aspiring Online Chaperones seeking to make a positive impact in the online world.

Embark on your Online Chaperone journey with the right mix of personality traits to inspire trust and lead with integrity.

• Empathetic
• Resilient
• Patient
• Proactive
• Trustworthy
• Resourceful

When it comes to crafting your career as an Online Chaperone, there are plenty of awesome pathways you can take. Here are some university degrees that can kick-start your journey:

University Degrees in Cybersecurity or Digital Media

Bachelor of Cybersecurity

A degree in Cybersecurity provides the technical skills to understand digital threats, secure online platforms, and safeguard personal data. Universities like Deakin University and University of New South Wales (UNSW) offer strong programs that cover ethical hacking, digital forensics, and cybersecurity policies, all of which are crucial for identifying and mitigating online risks.

Bachelor of Digital Media or Digital Communications

This degree focuses on understanding online behaviour, social media dynamics, and digital engagement. Programs at institutions like RMIT University and University of Technology Sydney (UTS) help you learn about managing digital platforms, moderating content, and promoting safe online communities.

Specialised Certifications and Training

Online Safety Certifications

Organisations like the Office of the eSafety Commissioner offer courses and certifications in online safety, covering topics such as cyberbullying prevention, digital citizenship, and managing online risks. These certifications are valuable for anyone looking to specialise in online child protection.

Cyberpsychology Training

Consider training in Cyberpsychology, which explores how technology affects human behaviour. This specialisation helps you understand the psychology behind online interactions and develop strategies to foster healthy digital habits. Online platforms like Coursera and edX offer relevant courses.

Imagine combining the best of different worlds to create your unique path to becoming an Online Chaperone. Blend Computer Science with Psychology to understand both the technical and human aspects of online safety. Mix Cybersecurity with Education to become a digital guardian and educator rolled into one. With interdisciplinary studies, the possibilities are endless!

During your journey to become an Online Chaperone, you’ll unlock a treasure trove of knowledge and skills

Digital Literacy

Master the tools and technologies of the digital age, from social media platforms to cybersecurity software.

Communication

Hone your ability to convey complex ideas in simple terms, essential for educating and engaging online audiences.

Empathy

Develop a deep understanding of others’ perspectives and emotions, vital for providing support and guidance in the digital realm.

Critical Thinking

Sharpen your analytical skills to evaluate online information critically and make informed decisions to promote online safety.

Problem-Solving

Cultivate creative solutions to tackle cyberbullying, online scams, and other digital challenges, making the internet a safer place for all.

But what about getting your hands dirty (or should I say, digital)? Work experience is your ticket to real-world adventure! Volunteer at local organisations, intern at tech companies, or start your own online safety project. Every experience is a stepping stone towards becoming a seasoned Online Chaperone!

Internships with Online Safety Organisations

Gain hands-on experience by interning with organisations like the eSafety Commissioner or child protection agencies. These internships provide real-world exposure to managing online risks, responding to digital incidents, and protecting vulnerable users.

Volunteer with Community Groups or Schools

Volunteer to deliver digital literacy workshops or online safety programs in schools or community groups. This experience builds your skills in educating young people about safe online behaviour and identifying potential digital threats.

Hey, guess what? University isn’t the only path to becoming an Online Chaperone. Nope, not at all! Here are some alternative pathways that could lead you to digital greatness:

Professional Development and Short Courses

Workshops and Short Courses in Online Moderation

Many organisations and online platforms, like Community Moderation Forum or Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN), offer workshops and short courses that focus on online community management, content moderation, and effective intervention strategies.

Digital Wellbeing and Child Safety Training

Short courses in digital wellbeing from providers like Google Digital Garage or Safe on Social teach practical skills for promoting online safety, understanding digital footprints, and managing screen time effectively.

Networking and Community Involvement

Join Professional Organisations

Connect with online safety networks such as the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or the International Association of Internet Hotlines (INHOPE) to stay informed on the latest trends in online safety, build professional connections, and gain access to exclusive resources.

Participate in Online Safety Campaigns

Get involved in campaigns and initiatives that promote digital safety, like Safer Internet Day or eSafety’s Young and Safe Online programs. This involvement raises your profile in the field and helps build a network with like-minded professionals.

Micro-learning

Dive into short online courses and workshops focused on cybersecurity, digital literacy, and online safety. Bite-sized learning chunks packed with valuable knowledge!

On-the-job experience

Jump straight into the action by securing an entry-level position in a tech company, social media platform, or educational institution. Learn as you go and watch your skills soar!

Ready to unleash your Online Chaperone skills and embark on a global adventure? Let’s explore the career opportunities awaiting you:

Western Australia

Join forces with local schools, government agencies, and community organisations to promote online safety across the state.

Australia

From Melbourne to Sydney, Brisbane to Perth, opportunities abound for Online Chaperones to make a difference in schools, tech companies, and beyond.

Rest of the World

Take your talents worldwide and collaborate with international organisations, advocate for online safety on a global scale, and inspire digital communities across the globe.

So, are you ready to embark on this thrilling journey? Your adventure as an Online Chaperone awaits, and the digital world is counting on you to keep it safe and awesome!