"Internet Safety for Support Workers: Balancing Digital Presence and Client Care"

In a previous post, I may have seemed harsh on support workers, but social media awareness is essential for everyone involved: clients, their families, support staff, and agencies. If we're discussing social media, let's be accountable and suggest some solutions. There aren't any easy answers, but what's worth doing often isn't easy. We need to consider what we're sacrificing. For me, it’s my phone game time—not much, as it’s a time sink, but it’s also a time to rest. I have the luxury of internet access and a lot of freedom, so I've had to learn to use it wisely. I’ve lost jobs and caused harm to family and friends, which fuels my passion for internet safety.

As someone born in 1984, I grew up in an analog world and witnessed the birth of the internet. During COVID lockdowns, I became addicted to the internet. Now, I actively monitor my internet time. There are other ways to learn, communicate, and connect with others. Plenty of low-cost or even free groups exist, like Guides Queensland for both youth and adults, Scouting, various cadets, and youth groups. The Country Women’s Association (CWA) deserves its own post for its role beyond scones and tea, being a vital lifeline in the country and advocating for services in rural areas.

To find local groups, check your library, day centers, and even online platforms like Facebook. There are meet-up groups for book clubs, gardening, and more. For the disabled community, day and community centers, and even local pharmacies, can be valuable resources. Pharmacies might host walking clubs or information nights, though these are increasingly moving online or to YouTube sponsorships.

Education is the key to addressing issues around disabilities and internet use. There are many instances where the internet makes a support worker's job easier, such as ordering groceries or looking up reviews for assistive tech and aids like shower chairs, hoists, and wheelchairs. It also provides communication tools for those without access to assistive communication devices (ACC) while waiting for funding, but security must be considered when using smartphones for this purpose.

Clear social media policies for clients, support workers, and families are part of the solution, as is education on digital footprints and scam awareness. While we can't control what people say online, we can make them aware of potential harm and guide them on how to phrase things to prevent it. Content creators are educated by platforms on avoiding cancel culture, and a solid understanding of community guidelines and good taste is essential, although good taste can be quite subjective.

Some support workers create realistic, beneficial content. Platforms advise not to quit your day job but to go part-time to stay grounded. Big content creators often have teams and provide employment to disabled people. For instance, Simon Whistler employs a blind scriptwriter and has inclusive hiring practices.

Embedding critical thinking and media literacy into education, especially in English classes, and training support workers on online harm is crucial. Posting about clients can put them at risk, especially if mental health issues or safety concerns are involved.

I run every blog post through AI to ensure clarity and avoid being offensive, but social media remains a challenge for society. We're considering raising age limits for social media, and the younger generation is moving back to simpler mobile phones or landlines.

In Australia, we have strict cyberbullying laws named after a young lady, Dolly Everett, who was driven to the unthinkable due to relentless cyberbullying. Dolly was a 14-year-old who took her own life after being bullied online. Her tragic story highlights the devastating impact of cyberbullying and the urgent need for protective measures. Dolly’s Dream, established in her memory, seeks to eliminate cyberbullying and create a kinder, more compassionate world.

Despite its potential for harm, social media can also be a force for good. Platforms like 4chan and Tumblr have shown how online communities can mobilize for positive causes. Safe spaces like fandoms, comic cons, and card-based games (e.g., Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!) provide a sense of community.

Empathy is fundamental, especially for support workers. It's about understanding the client's needs, not about sympathy, which can be exploited. Let’s keep the conversation open and start discussing these issues, as open dialogue is the biggest solution.

**Internet Safety Tips**

To enhance internet safety, here are some practical tips:

1. **Parental Monitoring**: For parents, use monitoring tools to keep track of your child’s online activities and set appropriate boundaries.

2. **Time Limits**: Establish and enforce limits on screen time to prevent overuse and encourage a balanced lifestyle.

3. **Use of VPNs**: Employ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to protect your privacy and secure your online activities, especially on public networks.

4. **Critical Thinking**: Teach and practice critical thinking skills to evaluate online content and recognize potential misinformation or scams.

5. **Security Measures**: Be cautious with personal information and always verify the security settings on social media platforms.

By integrating these practices, we can contribute to a safer and more responsible online environment for everyone.