The eSafety Commission has launched a new information course to assist older Australians access goods and services online.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the launch of the course Introduction to buying and selling online, was part of its Be Connected initiative and followed new eSafety research which found only seven per cent of older Australians aged between 50 to 65 years bought groceries or shopped online during COVID-19 restrictions earlier this year.
Ms Inman Grant said research also showed more than half older Australians were concerned about their banking details being stolen when they made an online purchase.
“While COVID-19 is a risk factor, older Australians are thinking about how to stay connected while physical distancing,” Ms Inman Grant said.
“This course will help them be able to do their shopping from home and reduce their exposure to the virus,” she said.
“At a time when the economy is heavily impacted by the necessary restrictions, assisting more seniors to shop online will help them access the essentials they need, while supporting their favourite local stores and regional producers.”
Ms Inman Grant said that in addition to introducing well-known online retailers and marketplaces, the new course showed older Australians how to set up payment accounts so they could keep their details safe.
“Later this year, older Australians can also participate in an engaging and free webinar, Safer online shopping and banking, helping seniors take advantage of all the convenience and cost savings of buying, selling and managing their money online,” she said.
The eSafety Commission’s new course can be accessed at this PS News link.
