Optus Digital Thumbprint has been endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner as a Trusted eSafety Provider.
Young people are especially vulnerable to being scammed. Not just because they spend more time online, but also because their brains are still developing skills like critical thinking and self-control. This makes it easier for scammers to trick them. One of the most sinister scams is sextortion. It’s a form of blackmail where someone tries to convince you into sending nude images or videos (or creates fake ones that look real), then blackmails you for information, money or more content. This quiz helps children to understand what sextortion is and how it works, the psychological and emotional effects on victims, warning signs, prevention and protection strategies, and how to report incidents and seek help.
Emojis can have different meanings depending on the context so it’s important to stay informed. We’ve decoded some in regular rotation for young people.
As digital tools and spaces play a bigger role in your child’s life—and yours—being ready to start open, meaningful conversations is key to ensuring their safety. This quiz will help you sense check how prepared you are to start those important discussions and keep the conversation going. Topics covered include first devices, navigating hidden influences, privacy and safety, gaming and online play, respectful relationships, and practical strategies for facilitating productive conversations about digital issues and safety. Ready to find out how you can better navigate these conversations? Let’s get started!
Getting a new device is exciting but also comes with responsibility. A Device Owner Agreement is a great way that families can agree on a list of rules of use with a personal device.
Remember that every family is different and you can adapt depending on the age and maturity of your child.
Setting up a new device can be an exciting experience for any young person. A mix of anticipation and curiosity as they explore new features and possibilities. Discussing and agreeing some boundaries around safe use can be a great place to start.
Heard about changes to social media for young people under 16 years old but not sure what it means for your family? We unpack some FAQs to support your child through the changes.
The Social Media Age Restrictions come in on 10 December 2025. They will apply to all Australian children under the age of 16 years and means they will no longer be able to hold or create a social media account.
Optus is helping families navigate a changing online world. Our Digital Thumbprint program supports young people and families to achieve, thrive and belong in today’s digital world. The program supports digital safety and wellbeing through free, curriculum-aligned in-school workshops and a range of resources for use at home. The resources cover a range of digital safety topics such as cyberbullying, gaming, scams, AI, and more.
Explore our free resources for families here
Explore frequently asked questions on the Social Media Age Restrictions
Join us on Tuesday 10th February 2026 at 12:30 AM (AEDT). This free, 30-minute, curriculum-aligned virtual classroom is designed to teach primary students essential digital citizenship skills. The session features Supercars driver Chaz Mostert, who will share his personal experience with cyberbullying in sport and discuss the importance of being kinder to ourselves and others online. Students will also learn:
- Kindness is key
- Being a good and respectful digital citizen
- Spotting fake stuff
- AI can be a misinformation machine
- Protecting yourself online
- Talking to your grown-ups
- Asking for help
It’s live on Zoom, completely free, and aligned to the Australian Curriculum.
Available in retail stores nationally, this kit includes parent conversation guides on cyberbullying, protecting personal information, and smart watches and first phones. There’s also stickers for children. Drop into a store and collect.
Check out our new guide for practical tips and conversation starters to help your child engage with Gen AI safely and productively.
While there is a lot of advice around the “best age” to get a smartphone, you are best placed to assess your child’s readiness based on their level of maturity and critical thinking capability.
Our First Phone Readiness Quiz can help you decide whether your child might be ready for their own smartphone, and what are the things to look out for after they get their first device.
The Digital Thumbprint Program covers five key topics.
