Mark Anderson from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) visited the school to speak to students about staying safe when using different forms of technology and social networking websites.

Cyberbullying – using mobile phones, email or the internet to bully or harass someone – was one of the main topics of the day.

Students learnt that text messages and emails could be tracked even if they were deleted and that the police had started using websites like Facebook, MySpace and You Tube as evidence.

“In Australia cyber bullying is a federal offence,” Mr Anderson said during his presentation to the students.

“Police are cracking down on bullying Australia-wide – there are serious legal consequences, even when you’re anonymous.”

Posting inappropriate photographs online was another important topic, with Mr Anderson telling students once a photograph was posted it could end up on the internet permanently.

Mr Anderson, who is a trainer for the ACMA, said people like landlords and employers had become very savvy, using the internet to research people who applied for a rental property or job.

“It’s not just your friends looking at these photos,”

he said.

“People are going to make decisions about you and these things are going to come back to haunt you.

“You may not be applying for an apartment, or a job, or university scholarship or sporting team now, but in years to come you will be.

“Think before you post – you are doing the damage now with the photos you put online.”

Students were also warned about the risk of identity theft by posting too much personal information online – and it may have come as a surprise to them just how little information criminals need.

“If you put down your last name and your city, that’s all someone needs to track you down on whitepages.com,” Mr Anderson said.