Supercars driver Chaz Mostert has returned to a Launceston school with the focus on helping students learn how to stay safe online.
Mostert visited St Thomas More’s Catholic School on Thursday to run workshops tackling issues like cyberbullying, scams, deepfakes and artificial intelligence.
It’s the second year in a row the Optus ambassador has delivered sessions at the school.
The visit, part of Optus’s Digital Thumbprint Program, came as data from the Australian Council for Educational Research found Tasmanian students face the highest levels of bullying in the country.
“Kids today are growing up in a world where a lot of their lives play out online – and that comes with risks,” Mostert said.
“Education isn’t just important, it’s essential.”
“It’s a privilege to be part of these sessions and have honest conversations with students about what’s okay online, what’s not, and how to look out for each other.”
Student Oliver John Garwood, 11, said last year’s workshop had already changed how he used the internet.
“After the Optus workshop last year, I went through my friend list and deleted anyone I didn’t know and I’ve also made my friend list private,” he said.
Samuel Michael Mannion, 12, said the session taught him “a lot about how to be safe online and what to do if someone is being rude or cyberbullying me”.
Optus local general manager Jayson Grool said the telco wanted to help young people use technology “safely, positively and confidently”.
He said the program also aims to help families keep the conversation going at home.
“Digital safety doesn’t stop when the school bell rings,” he said.
“We want parents and carers to feel supported to continue these conversations at home, using accessible resources that help reinforce positive online behaviour and digital wellbeing.”
Mostert is in town to compete in the 2026 Tyrepower Tasmania Super 440 this weekend.
