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Deaf Children Australia (DCA) has launched a new workshop to help deaf and hard of hearing children and young people understand cyber security. The workshop is designed for children aged 12 to 17 years who use Auslan as their main form of communication.
This initiative is part of the Australian Government’s Act Now. Stay Secure campaign, and DCA is proud to deliver it with support from a government grant.
Where We Have Been
So far, DCA has delivered workshops in:
- Queensland – Three schools in Townsville, Mackay, and Brisbane, with groups ranging from 5 to 25+ students
- South Australia – Two schools in Adelaide, with approximately 20 students per workshop
- Victoria – Including rural areas such as Shepparton, helping students in regional communities
We still have many more workshops to deliver and are excited to help children and young people across Australia build a stronger understanding of cyber security and online safety.
Feedback from Teachers and Students
We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and teachers. Many students have shared that they feel more confident online and appreciate having information in Auslan. Teachers have noted how engaging and accessible the workshops are, helping their students understand important cyber security concepts.
One student said, “I now know what to do if something happens online. Everything was explained in Auslan, so I could understand clearly.”
A Favourite Activity from the Workshop
One of the most favourite activities in the workshop is the Kahoot quiz. Students enjoy this because they do not use devices. Instead, we turn it into a real life activity.
We place different coloured shapes with answer options on paper in each corner of the room. Students then walk to the corner they think is the correct answer.
This is a great initiative because it encourages interaction. Students talk, share ideas, and work together to decide on the right answer. They also observe where others go and have discussions about different choices.
This approach helps build a better understanding of cyber security in a fun and engaging way. Students leave the workshop feeling more confident and with a clearer mindset.
Why We Offer This Workshop
The Australian Government’s Home Affairs department provided a grant that allows DCA to bring the workshop to deaf and hard of hearing children across Australia. This funding ensures that students who use Auslan can access cyber security resources in a way that meets their communication needs.
Our team has focused on making the workshops engaging and practical. We know that many deaf and hard of hearing children learn best through visual and hands-on experiences. Every activity is designed to be accessible, fun, and empowering, so students can confidently understand cyber security and online safety.
What the Workshop Covers
The workshop provides practical guidance and hands-on learning for students. Topics include:
- Common scam terminology
- Multi-factor authentication
- Creating strong passphrases
- Informative booklets with all key information
Activities are designed to be interactive, visual, and Auslan-friendly, helping students engage with the material and understand cyber security in a clear and meaningful way.
Looking Ahead
DCA is excited to continue delivering these workshops across more states and communities. Our aim is to ensure that all deaf and hard of hearing children and young people have the knowledge and confidence to stay safe online.
To learn more about our Cyber Security Awareness Workshop program, contact the DCA team or click below to visit the website.
