At home, you can help your child practise what they are learning at school. With safe use of the internet and digital learning they can:

  • build confidence
  • push boundaries
  • experiment and problem solve
  • apply skills and knowledge to real life situations.

Connecting to the National Broadband Network (NBN)

A few things to consider when deciding to connect to the NBN

1. Who can you talk to?

When deciding to connect to the NBN, talk to friends and family who are connected and ask about their experiences. You can also talk to Retail Service Providers (RSP’s). These are the companies that you purchase your internet plan from. NBN Co also have lots of helpful advice on their website A guide to getting connected.

2. How much data do you need?

Have a think about how you use the internet—do you send and receive emails and use simple browsing, or do you stream content (watch shows), shop online, play interactive games and use multiple devices? Ask yourself how many people in your household will be using the internet. Your answers may influence how much data and speed you need.

3. Which provider offers services best suited to your needs?

When choosing a Retail Service Provider think about the package or bundle, contract term, costs and what matters most to you. Consider how important technical support is, and if you need a service with high speed in busy periods? Talk to a range of providers about your needs before deciding. Once you have decided and placed your order, make sure you read and understand the terms of the contract.

4. How much will it cost?

Standard NBN installation is free of charge. There may be additional charges if you want a non-standard installation or if your premise requires an upgrade to wiring or cabling.

When choosing your Retail Service Provider, you should ask if there will be any additional fees or equipment needed to connect your home to the NBN.

You will also need to select a monthly data plan that suits your needs. The cost of data plans ranges between different service providers. Check the NBN provider and plan your family and friends use.

The NBN Co website has more information on Residential NBN.

Some other ways to get online:

Libraries Tasmania offers free Wi-Fi and public computers

Computers and internet access – Libraries Tasmania.

Tasmanian Government free Wi-Fi is available in various locations around the state – find out where at Tasmanian Government Free Wi-Fi.

Explore online together

Some tips for exploring online with your child

  • Let your child teach you about the games, websites, devices and programs they are learning to use.
  • Talk with your child about what they are seeing and doing online.
  • Explore age appropriate websites, games and apps that match their interests.
  • Encourage online sharing and communication with known friends, trusted adults and family members.
  • Talk often about respectful relationships online and offline.
  • Model safe online behaviours for your child.

Ideas for exploring online with your child

Common Sense Media: Age-Based Media Reviews for Families
Find reviews of books, movies, TV shows, games, podcasts, apps and YouTube content to help you to make informed decisions about the media your children watch, read and play.

Sora in schools – Libraries Tasmania
Download the Sora App on your phone, tablet, laptop or PC and give your child access to hundreds of popular age-appropriate eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines and graphic novels.  

ABC Education
ABC Education has free videos, games, animations, and information on various topics that you and your child can explore together.

David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef
Go on an adventure with David Attenborough and explore the Great Barrier Reef.

Virtual Dives — XL Catlin Seaview Survey
Take a deep virtual dive together.

Google Arts & Culture
Take virtual tours of museums, galleries and palaces with Google Arts and Culture. There are also games and interactive online exhibitions, 3D models, and virtual tours of other cultural sites around the world available.

Arts & Culture Experiments – Experiments with Google
Try out online experiments that bring art and technology together with Google Experiments

More information and resources

In person digital skills help:

Access to computers and Wi-Fi

Reading, Writing and Maths help for adults

Online resources to improve your digital skills:

Online resources to support your child’s online learning:

Information for families

  1. Support your child’s learning
  2. School life
  3. Get involved in your school community
  4. Help with technology
    1. Digital learning at school
    2. How to help at home
    3. Canvas Parent
    4. Staying safe online
    5. Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT)
    6. Communicating with your child’s school
  5. Getting in contact and providing feedback
  6. Keeping your child safe
  7. Your child’s health and wellbeing