004/05
8 February 2005
Keeping Our Kids Safe Online—Safer Internet Day
The Australian Government today renewed its commitment to cracking down on the scourge of illegal and offensive Internet content aimed at children as part of activities to mark Safer Internet Day.
The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today welcomed new initiatives from NetAlert and the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) that complement the Government's tough policies to crack down on Internet porn.
"The Australian Government strongly supports community education initiatives such as the celebration of Safer Internet Day. These initiatives are vital in making the online environment safer for children," Senator Coonan said.
NetAlert will today launch an Internet safety story-telling competition as part of worldwide activities to mark Safer Internet Day and the ABA has released 'How to be Phone Smart', a brochure with safety information for children and their parents on the use of mobile phones.
"While technology has the capacity to transform the way we live and work, with new technological developments comes an increased risk of mobile phones and computers being used as a pipeline for perversion," Senator Coonan said.
"The importance of a safer Internet and mobile phone environment is becoming increasingly important, particularly for children.
"While NetAlert focuses on making the Internet safer, the ABA has concentrated its efforts on reducing the risks associated with mobile phone use.
"Issues such as harassment, spam, people making inappropriate contact, and the possibility of children accessing unsuitable content are all challenges these organisations and the Australian Government are mindful of tackling."
The Australian Government has provided $2 million to NetAlert to run the National CyberSafe Program-a two-year targeted information campaign aimed at educating parents, teachers and community groups about the risks children face online.
The CyberSafe Program forms part of the Government's National Child Protection Initiative (NCPI) election commitment to spend $30 million to protect Australian children and families from sex criminals.
Under the NCPI, the Australian Federal Police will receive $28.4 million over four years to set up a national centre for major international and national referrals of child sex abuse material and images.
The AFP will have the resources to target, infiltrate and shut-down organised online paedophile networks.
Complementing the CyberSafe Program, $3.7 million of the funding provided to the AFP has been earmarked for the continuation of its education and prevention programs aimed at parents, teachers and relevant community groups.
The ABA's brochure is available online at www.aba.gov.au/internet/education/index.htm or by calling 02 9334 7700.
Further information on Internet safety is available at www.netalert.net.au or from www.dcita.gov.au
Media Contact: Jane McMillan 0438 690 305