002/06
7 February 2006

Safer Internet Day—International Blogathon

NetAlert, the Government-funded Internet safety body, will participate in an international blogathon as part of worldwide activities to mark Safer Internet Day, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, announced today.

“Safer Internet Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the right of every child to enjoy safe and rewarding Internet experiences,” Senator Coonan said.

“The Australian Government strongly supports online education initiatives such as Safer Internet Day. These initiatives are vital in making the online environment safer for the entire community.”

Safer Internet Day is organised by Insafe, the European Internet safety network. NetAlert is working closely with Insafe and is coordinating events in Australia for the Safer Internet Day—including the International Blogathon.

The blogathon is a 24-hour event, involving 31 countries, that aims to raise awareness of Internet safety issues, especially for children. During the blogathon registered users will post articles on Internet safety and invite the public to contribute to the discussion.

“With blogging becoming an increasingly common form of communication, especially for children, the importance of a safer Internet environment is even more significant,” Senator Coonan said.

“As with all new uses of technology there are risks associated with their use. The Government is committed to ensuring that Australian children are able to access these technologies safely.”

The Australian Government is fulfilling its commitment to protecting children from offensive or illegal online content by developing and delivering the National CyberSafe Program. This $2 million, two-year targeted information campaign, known as NetAlert Expo, is aimed at educating parents, teachers and community groups about the risks children face online.

The Expo will visit community centres, libraries and schools in every State and Territory in Australia and has already toured Victoria and Queensland in the latter months of last year.

Activities being held today as part of Safer Internet Day also make an important contribution to the online education process.

Further information on Internet safety is available at www.netalert.net.auor from www.dcita.gov.au