The eSafety Commission has launched a series of new courses on how to use Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to help older Australians explore creative outlets online.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the free and engaging courses would provide even more reasons for older Australians to explore creative outlets on social media.
“Close to 45 per cent of Australians in their 70s have never messaged or posted on social media,” Ms Inman Grant said.
“We know older Australians become passionate about their creative endeavours including art, craft, gardening and photography,” she said.
“This course provides them with the skills they need to safely use these social media platforms to further develop and share these artistic interests.”
Ms Inman Grant said that when older Australians used social media, they tended to prioritise social connection.
She said that among Australians aged over 72, 65 per cent used Facebook compared with only seven per cent who used Instagram.
“Part of the reason is that Facebook is often seen as the best way to stay up-to-date with family and friends,” she said.
“This course is so vital because it assists older Australians bolster their social media skills from basic connection to exploring creative expression and artistic outlets that really inspire them.”
The Commissioner said the courses explained how Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest were best used as well as how to safely navigate the platforms; identify scams; post on the platforms for the first time; and block unwanted content and users.
eSafety’s new courses can be accessed on its Be Connected website at this PS News link.
