The Department of Education is rolling out specially targeted programs across 55 State and non-State schools designed to keep young people safe from cyber-bullying.
The initial $750,000 roll-out is in partnership with charities, Dolly’s Dream and the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.
Announcing the initiative, Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said cyber-bullying was one of the gravest issues facing society today.
“Cyber-bullying means the troubles young people experience through the day don’t end at the school gate,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“It’s imperative we teach our school communities about online behaviour, social media and the tools needed to tackle cyber-bullying — that’s exactly what these eSmart programs are all about.”
Minister for Education, Grace Grace said she was committed to helping stamp out “this insidious problem in our society and as a community, we’re doing it together”.
“The partnership with Dolly’s Dream and the Alannah and Madeline Foundation is a key feature of the Government’s $3.5 million on-going commitment to implement the recommendations of the Anti-Cyber-bullying Taskforce,” Ms Grace said.
“This is just one of the ways we can reach all corners of our State and further educate our children that cyber-bullying is unacceptable, it’s hurtful and it’s dangerous.”
She said that as part of the initiative, an officer from the Alannah and Madeline Foundation would be located in Queensland to ensure schools receive timely support, if and when they needed it.
“As part of our eSmart programs, schools are able to roll out the eSmart Schools Framework, hold workshops for parents and teachers and provide digital licences for individual students,” Ms Grace said.
She said her Department had a dedicated team of specialists in its Cyber-safety and Reputation Management Team to help schools respond to and prevent inappropriate online behaviour.
