Cyber resilience in the digital age: How adults can empower teens to protect their online lives and mental well-being

Tuesday
 
18
 
March
, 
1:50 pm
 - 
2:30 pm
Location
Torrens Room

Speakers

Annette Peploe

Annette Peploe

Youth Worker / Cybersecurity Educator
Private

Synopsis

This presentation offers a unique blend of technical insights into cybersecurity and practical strategies to support mental well-being for teenagers.

Delegates will walk away with a toolkit of knowledge to help teens navigate the challenges of the digital world safely and confidently. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or Youth Worker, this session will provide the critical skills and understanding you need to communicate effectively with teens about staying safe online while maintaining a healthy relationship with technology.

Key Focus:

Understanding the Cybersecurity Risks Teens Face:

Teens are exposed to a variety of online threats such as phishing scams, identity theft, cyberbullying, and data breaches. This session will break down the most common risks teens encounter on social media, online gaming, and other digital platforms, giving adults a clear understanding of how these threats manifest in today’s tech-driven world.

Teaching Practical Cybersecurity Skills:

Delegates will learn how to teach teens the critical skills needed to protect their online privacy and identity. From setting strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication to recognizing phishing attempts and protecting personal data, this section will cover essential cybersecurity practices teens should adopt.

Building Mental and Emotional Resilience Online:

The digital world can take a toll on teens’ mental well-being, often contributing to issues like anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and the pressure to conform to social media standards. This part of the session will discuss how adults can foster open conversations with teens about mental health, help them set boundaries around their screen time, and encourage positive online interactions. We will explore the importance of balancing digital engagement with real-life activities to protect their emotional health.

The Role of Digital Footprints and Future Impact:

Teens may not always realize the long-term implications of their online activities. We’ll discuss how digital footprints—every post, like, and comment—can shape future opportunities, including tertiary application admissions and job prospects. This section will offer advice on how adults can guide teens to manage their online presence wisely, ensuring they leave a positive digital trail.

Encouraging Cyber Literacy and Safe Digital Habits:

As the digital world continues to evolve, it’s vital for teens to develop a mindset of continuous learning in cybersecurity. This session will provide strategies for promoting cyber literacy, encouraging teens to stay informed about the latest online risks and protective measures. Adults will leave this session empowered to guide teens in developing lifelong safe digital habits.

Join in to empower the next generation to thrive in the digital age—safely, securely, and mindfully.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.