The Nano Tribe Project

The Nano Tribe Project Connecting and Researching Online Safety

Through project work partnerships between Griffith University and St Aidan’s, a small group of students in Year 6 investigated and designed locally significant safety and wellbeing resources for their peers. Contemporary social issues explored in the project included: cyberbullying, body image concerns, real friendships, stereotypes, and other evolving social media trends (e.g. dangerous online challenges, fake news, and scams). The project provided an opportunity for like-minded students to work together to design resources and interventions informed or inspired from their everyday lives. Research confirms studentgenerated resources and interventions are more closely aligned to their specific needs so are more effective and sustainable.

Dr Roberta Thompson and Mrs Cath Grant coordinated the project with the aim of gathering data to inform the development of age appropriate Online Safety resources. The six Year 6 girls worked collaboratively with Dr Thompson, Mrs Grant and each other to identify issues in their lives related to Online Safety. They discussed their ideas, brainstormed relevant issues and solutions and designed on online space on Aidan’s Central where peers can access advice and information.

Dr Thompson shared “I work at Griffith University, in the School of Education and Professional Studies. My job is all about finding out how teenage girls use social media in their everyday lives. I believe girls are experts in their own social media experience and by listening to them, we can help other girls the same age enjoy social media safely.” Catherine Grant - Teacher Some of our Year 6 participants shared their view on being part of this project:

“I have learnt how to help people by creating a safe space where students like me can access information anonymously.”

“I have enjoyed the project because students our age don’t usually get to do this sort of thing. We get to help people in a way that hasn’t been done before.”

“We get to combine our ideas that we made together. It is something I am proud of.”