By Ewen McRae
Two Melton students could be at the forefront of online safety, after sharing their ideas with technology leaders recently.
Catholic Regional College Melton year nine students Nathan and Sara spent a day at the Facebook headquarters in Sydney, as part of the Design Jam program that brought together digital ambassadors from across the country.
The opportunity came as part of Project Rockit, a national anti-bullying campaign that launched in Melton in May.
The day gave students the opportunity to share their perspectives and experiences before rolling up their sleeves and creating their own apps to help young people engage safely online.
Among those there on the day were representatives from Google, Instagram, and Beyond Blue, with the students pitching their ideas to Facebook’s global head of safety.
Nathan said it was an incredible opportunity.
“Sara and I were able to help design apps and work with co-ordinators from Facebook and YouTube, as well as the e-safety commissioner and even a graphic designer from California who designs app interfaces,” he said.
“We got to design various fictional apps and incorporated the safety features we wanted to see in real apps. It was great meeting students and industry leaders from across the country.”
Facebook and Instagram director of policy for Australia New Zealand, Mia Garlick, acknowledged the work and the importance of the students’ ideas.
“We were thrilled with everyone’s insights, thoughtful questions and considered pitches to ensure the safe use of our products and services by young people,” Ms Garlick said.
“The outcomes from the day will be critical in informing a global perspective on age-appropriate design, safety and transparency.”
