Get Online Week: How to Click With More Confidence

In creating awareness and supporting this national campaign, we’ve put together the below guide to local events, resources, and practical advice to help you feel more confident on that next click!

It’s no secret, almost everything’s becoming digital. The world is moving online (and fast) – and for many older Australians, this shift can sometimes feel like being handed a spaceship remote and told, “Go on, fly it!”

Emails, texts, QR codes, banking apps, My Aged Care logins – it’s a lot, and it’s okay if it sometimes feels like a little too much – it does for us too. That’s why Get Online Week (20 – 26 October) is so important.

Get Online Week is a national campaign by Good Things for supporting all Australians online with the tools they need to feel more secure and confident when navigating the digital world. This initiative is designed to ensure that all Australians, regardless of age, ability, or background, have the opportunity to stay connected and supported online.

And there’s never been a better time to explore the good stuff waiting online. From video chats with grandkids to checking your aged care plan (without waiting on hold), the internet can make life just a little easier (and a lot more connected).

Whether you’re curious about catching up on the news, watching classic TV shows, or simply learning how to identify a potential scam, increasing your confidence online can open a much safer door to countless opportunities.

The great part? You’re not alone, and you’re not expected to know everything (after all, none of us do). It’s important to note here, confidence doesn’t come from knowing all the answers – it comes from having the right support, knowing where to turn, and feeling like you’ve got a bit more control each time you click.

Whether you’re completely new to technology or just need a little refresher, here are some friendly, no-fuss resources to help build your confidence online.

1. Let’s Start With the Basics: Find A Free In-Person Class Near You

Prefer face-to-face learning? Most older Australians do!

That’s why Be Connected offers free computer classes across Australia, run by trusted community organisations. These classes are designed specifically for older adults, so no one’s rolling their eyes if you ask, “What’s a browser again?”

You’ll learn practical, hands-on skills for how to:

• Use a smartphone or tablet
• Search for information safely
• Make a video call (hello, grandkids!)

To eind a class near you: beconnected.esafety.gov.au/computer-classes-near-you

You can also bring a friend, ask questions, and go at your own pace. And yes, tea and biscuits are often involved (win-win)!

2. Learn From Your Lounge Room: Free Online Courses At Your Own Pace

If getting out isn’t easy, or if you simply prefer to have a tinker in your own time, Be Connected’s Topic Library is full of short, easy-to-understand lessons that cover everything from using email to avoiding scams.

Here are a few essential courses you might enjoy:

• Online Safety Basics: Learn how to create strong passwords and recognise dodgy emails
• How to Use MyGov: Handy if you want to manage your aged care, health or tax info online
• Shopping Online Safely: Yes, you can get groceries delivered (and you don’t need to enter weird codes to do it)

Each topic throughout this diverse topic library is written in plain English, complemented by pictures and videos – and no jargon. You can even re-watch lessons or share them with friends or family.

To explore Be Connected’s complete Topic Library, simply visit here.

3. Worried About Scams? That’s Smart (We All Should Be)

Scammers often target older Australians, not because it’s assumed that you’re less savvy – but because they assume you’re more trusting. That’s not a flaw, but it pays to be wise given the nature of this assumption.

Here are the must-dos to be more vigilant online:

• Never click on links in texts or emails: Especially from people you don’t know – and even if the name looks familiar, always request more contact information by clicking into the name, so you can then investigate the provided email address or number before taking action.
• If something feels urgent or scary: Pause and check, you should never feel rushed or bullied into taking action – if it were a legitimate email or text communication, you would receive a call (they would have this information) to verify your identity and for you to verify who’s requesting the information. As soon as you identify it’s someone you don’t know, flag that communication for phishing and report it (email), or simply report and block (text message). Remember, scammers love to sound urgent – applying pressure is often how they get to people.
• Always go to the official website (like www.myagedcare.gov.au for example) rather than clicking links in emails: If it’s a fake website or an unsecure website, your browser will most likely identify this, though fast tip – any URL starting with ‘Https://’ indicates it’s a secure domain versus ‘Http://,’ which means it’s an unsecure domain without encryption – this is one of the fastest ways to identify a secure domain.

If you’re unsure, ask a trusted family member, or browse the ‘Safety’ section the Be Connected website here for online courses, articles, and podcasts to help learn more.

5. Creating Your Very Own “Confidence Kit” at Home

Here are some quick, practical steps you can instantly take to feel safer online:

• Write down your key passwords (in a safe place): If you’re not storing your passwords safely in an app, the traditional method of writing your key passwords down also works! Just make sure this sheet is kept locked or somewhere private.
• Create a list of the apps or websites you use most often: Whether you’d like to create a digital note or write this list down in a notebook, it helps to be able to recollect all of the apps and websites you currently use, especially when having to verify a potential scam or phishing attack later on (from a source that “claims” your trial is ending, or ask for more money regarding your usage, etc.,).
• Keep a printed “cheat sheet” for common tasks you need to perform online: Such as joining a video call or checking your aged care services online, it’s always a good idea to have a small reference guide to come back to when needed – and one that outlines how to perform each task.

Think of your confidence kit as your personal roadmap to the digital world – a resource that helps to ensure you’re not relying on memory (or worse, clicking in panic).

One Small Step, One Large Leap Forward

Just as Neil Armstrong once said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” And each day that we do something small, means achieving our 1% better each day (Atomic Habits).

No one’s expected to need to master the internet overnight, but if you can perform one new task this week – perhaps, send an email, check your Medicare info via MyGov, or join a Zoom call with a family member or friend, then you’re doing just fine!

Online confidence isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being competent enough to feel comfortable performing the essential tasks online that you need to navigate your day-to-day life in the real world.

This Get Online Week, why not try one new thing? Take a class, watch a video, listen to a podcast, or simply ask a question via an online chat. After all, you’re always more capable than you think – and you’re never alone in this journey.