As the online world becomes more complex, school systems face the growing responsibility of equipping students with digital competency skills. Western Province Preparatory School (WPPS) took action by implementing a forward-thinking program from MySociaLife. 

The digital competency platform addresses real-world challenges in a learner-accessible manner. Thus educating learners on appropriate technology use. 

Schoolscape spoke to Alexa Todd-Mason, a WPPS teacher, to understand why this program was needed, and the impact digital competency training has already made. 

Why Digital Competence Matters in Modern Classrooms

“If we expect students to use digital tools, we must also teach them how to manage their use safely,” explains Alexa. 

WPPS recognised the critical need to develop digital competence, not just technical skills, but also emotional intelligence and critical thinking when interacting online. Therefore, learners are taught about all aspects of digital media, including the risks of misusing technology. 

Challenges Schools Face with Online Behaviour 

Inside the classroom walls, teachers often deal with minor issues such as students messaging friends or playing games during class time. However, more serious digital risks exist, and these typically happen without supervision. Including:

• social media misuse
• online harassment
• exposure to inappropriate content

“These issues change faster than parents or teachers can manage – which is why education is so important” Alexa shared. 

WPPS looked to MySociaLife to stay ahead of these fast-evolving challenges and support learners in building digital competency skills that extend far beyond school walls. 

Students are More Aware and More Responsible 

Since integrating the program, WPPS noticed an immediate improvement in learner awareness and behaviour:

• Learners are more cautious online
• They have an understanding about how their digital actions can impact others
• They are more confident in making smart online decisions 

“They are far more aware of their digital responsibility,” Alexa commented. 

Evidently, digital competency is not just about using digital tools. It’s about understanding safety, impact, and self-control when online. 

Making Digital Topics Relatable 

Dean McCoubrey, MySocialLife’s founder, is praised by both teachers and learners for his engaging delivery at WPPS. 

“Dean is dynamic, passionate, and relevant. His content connects with exactly what students are going through.”

Expert insights, real-word experiences, and relatability ensure that every session is impactful and meaningful.

“The content keeps pace with digital trends, and that’s crucial for real engagement”.

The flexibility and adaptability is key to educating learners on digital competency as it evolves with the platforms learners actually use.

Would WPPS Recommend MySocialLife?

Without any hesitation at all.

“Absolutely.”

WPPS sees digital competence as a critical life skill for their learners, and strongly believes that each school should be proactive in teaching and practicing it. 

Interested in Bringing MySocialLife to Your School?

Schoolscape understands that cybersecurity is key in the modern classroom. If you would like more information about MySociaLife and would like to get hold of them to do something similar at your school, here is their contact information:

Send an email to [email protected]

Or visit mysocialife.com

For more blogs about school innovations, see Schoolscape’s Case Studies