Mansfield Community Unites for Digital Safety Through SayIT
Published on 09 July 2025
Mansfield Shire took a strong step toward digital safety last week, with over 1,100 local residents participating in the SayIT program’s cyber safety education sessions held from 24–26 June.
Renowned cyber safety expert Susan McLean led the sessions, covering vital topics including online grooming, cyberbullying, problematic gaming and the impacts of sharing explicit content. Hosted at various locations across the Shire, the sessions were tailored to young people, families, and educators, aiming to build a safer and more informed digital community.
The program received outstanding participation from community members. Over 24% of Mansfield’s population aged 8 to 49 is now better equipped to navigate online spaces safely after attending one of the sessions.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie praised the program’s reach and community-wide support.
“This initiative has empowered more than 1,100 Mansfield residents to make informed choices online,” he said.
“Digital safety is a shared responsibility, and this week shows just how committed our community is to looking after one another.”
Over 100 educators from schools across the region — including Mansfield Primary School, Merrijig Primary School, Mansfield Steiner School, Mansfield Secondary College, St Mary’s Primary School and alternative education settings — took part in a specific professional learning session to ensure their staff were equipped with the tools and knowledge to ensure the safety of students.
Every student from Grades 3–6 and Years 7–10 across the Shire also received tailored cyber safety education.
Nicole Salmon, Principal of Mansfield Primary School, spoke to the program’s value for educators and students alike.
“SayIT has given our students real, age-appropriate insights into staying safe online. The sessions were engaging and relevant, and our staff have walked away with practical tools to support students in this space. We believe this work is so critical to supporting children that I made it compulsory for all staff to attend. 60 staff members in all,” said Ms Salmon.
Glenn Hood, Principal of Mansfield Steiner School, echoed the importance of the initiative.
“Susan McLean’s presentation was confronting in all the right ways. It opened our students' eyes to the real risks online and helped start important conversations at school and at home,” said Mr Hood.
The SayIT program has sparked powerful community discussions, providing knowledge that will support safer digital engagement well beyond this week’s events.
SayIT is a whole-of-community initiative promoting responsible digital citizenship across Mansfield Shire. Supported by all seven regional schools, Mansfield Shire Council, Mansfield Shire Youth, Future Proof, Victoria Police, MACE, Community Bank Mansfield & District, WiNE Network, MASS, Mansfield District Hospital and local sporting groups, the project drives positive social change through education and engagement. Established in October 2024, the group is committed to creating a safer digital environment for young people and the broader community.
The SayIT group thanks all schools, families, and community members for their commitment to making this program a success.