Tuesday 4 September 2007
Helping families tackle cyber bullying
The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan, said today in South Australia that the Australian Government’s $189 million NetAlert—Protecting Australian Families Online initiative was arming parents with information to help them tackle the problem of cyber bullying.
“As we all know, the internet has changed our world forever. It has revolutionised how we communicate and educate. But although the internet is a wonderful resource, the dangers lurking just a click away can make the internet a frightening experience for Australian families.”
Senator Coonan explained that cyber bullying can be carried out over email, in chat rooms or discussion groups, on social networking sites or through SMS.
“In fact, a recent study found that one in five children aged 13 to 17 have viewed online bullying on these platforms. These sorts of figures are very alarming for families, that is why the Australian Government is focused on educating parents and carers about online dangers and equipping them with internet safety strategies.”
Senator Coonan said the NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online programme encourages parent to Supervise, Educate and Equip (SEE) to help protect their families online.
“Parents need to Supervise their children on the internet and stick to rules about what is appropriate use of the online environment. They can also Educate themselves and their family about potential dangers online and teach skills about how to handle any dangers. Finally, parents can Equip their family with online protection to help manage their family’s online experience.”
Earlier in the day, Senator Coonan launched the NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online Partnership Programme in Sydney.
“The Australian Government recognises that no single measure can protect children from online harm and, in fact, traditional parenting skills have never been more important,” said Senator Coonan.
“We recognise the challenges posed by new technology when it mixes with age old problems such as bullying. The Minister for Education, Skills and Training Julie Bishop recently announced $200,000 in funding to support research into covert and cyber bullying.
“These projects will help us better understand the factors that lead to bullying and will recommend strategies to deal with it.
“Given community concerns about ‘cyber bullying’, the potential dangers of chat rooms and social networking sites, and the use of video-hosting sites to upload inappropriate content, a ‘whole of community’ approach, including corporate partnerships, is needed.
“Our partners are supporting NetAlert in a variety of ways, from incorporating information into their internal communication activities, to providing NetAlert material such as informational flyers and CDs to their customers in stores across the country.
“The Howard Government has a serious commitment to protecting our children online that is why we have delivered a comprehensive programme using the broadest possible line of defence in the protection of Australian families online.
“NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online is a $189 million initiative combining services and education, regulation and policing to ensure that Australian families can get the best of the internet, whilst minimising potential harm,” Senator Coonan said.
“Parents, grandparents and carers can visit www.australia.gov.au/netalert or call the help line on 1800 880 176 for advice about managing online safety, as well as access to free internet content filters, and information about how they work,” Senator Coonan said.
More information about the Partnership Programme can be found on the NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online web portal.
Media Contact: Katherine Meier 0417 441 141