Proudly Safe SA
ENHANCING E-SAFETY AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION FOR LGBTIQA+ YOUNG PEOPLE
Reasons to teach LGBTIQA+ eSafety
It is important to address eSafety with all students, including those who are LGBTIQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual/aromantic).
Here are some tips for discussing LGBTIQA+ eSafety in the classroom:
Emphasize that online safety is important for everyone
Make it clear that eSafety is important for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Discuss the specific risks and challenges that LGBTIQA+ students may face online
LGBTIQA+ students may be more vulnerable to cyberbullying and other forms of online harassment because of their identity. It is important to discuss the specific risks and challenges that they may face and how to respond to them.
Encourage students to be mindful of their online presence
Remind students to be mindful of what they post online and to think about how it might be perceived by others. Encourage them to use privacy settings and to only share personal information with trusted individuals.
Provide resources and support
Offer resources and support to help students stay safe online. This might include information about reporting tools and how to get help if they experience online harassment.
Overall, it is important to create a safe and inclusive environment in the classroom, both online and offline, to ensure that all students feel supported and protected. By addressing LGBTIQA+ eSafety , you can help them feel more secure and empowered to navigate the online world safely.
“At first, I was nervous about how the students would react, but I quickly realised that my worries were unfounded. The students were receptive and eager to learn about the topic. I used various resources and activities to keep the lessons engaging and informative. We discussed real-life scenarios and role-played how to respond to situations that might arise online.”
– Samantha*