Release of research into young peoples attitudes to the internet and online behaviour

Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan has released independent research, commissioned by the Government, into the attitudes of parents and children towards the internet, and how young people behave online as part of the NetAlert—Protecting Australian Families Online education and information campaign.

“In developing the NetAlert information campaign, we have drawn on research commissioned by the Government which gives an idea of what is really happening online from the perspectives of both parents and young people,” said Senator Coonan.

“There were some startling findings, which have informed our education campaign.

“For example, 37 per cent of children who chat online said they had been contacted by someone they didn’t know.

“Thirty-nine per cent of children said they had put a photo of themselves online.

“And more than half of teenagers surveyed said they had visited websites that their parents would have preferred them not to.

“Almost 18 per cent of teenagers had been asked online by a stranger to meet them.

“With this research and with this campaign we aim to shine the light on a world that some parents are only vaguely aware of” said Senator Coonan.

“The Howard Government has a serious commitment to supporting parents with practical tools and information to protect their children 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,” said Senator Coonan.

Parents, grandparents and carers can visit www.australia.gov.au/netalert or call the help line on 1800 880 176 for more information about protecting children online.

Research Summary (File type: PDF, File size: 346Kb)

Media Contact: Katherine Meier 0417 441 141