Queensland is leading the anti-cyberbullying agenda nationally according to Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, who last week tabled the Government’s Anti-Cyberbullying Taskforce progress report in Parliament.
“Cyberbullying is a critical issue in our society. Its impact isn’t just inflicted on the person using the computer or phone. It’s a ripple effect reverberating through families, to next door neighbours and ultimately affecting entire communities,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Last year, we established the Queensland Anti-Cyberbullying Taskforce – the first of its kind in Australia.”
She said the Government had accepted all 29 of the Taskforce’s recommendations and announced $3.5 million in funding to tackle the issue.
This included $2 million for awareness and education campaigns; $500,000 in grants to community organisations and young people, and $1 million for school-based initiatives, including $450,000 to Dolly’s Dream Foundation to partner with the Alannah and Madeline Foundation to implement the eSmart Schools Program.
The Premier said key actions to date had focused on strengthening support in schools, empowering young people and the community, and public awareness campaigns.
“We have now completed 19 of the 29 recommendations, and implementation of the remaining 10 recommendations is well under way,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The eSmart Schools Program will be rolled out over three years from 2020 to ensure schools are equipped with evidence-based programs to tackle cyberbullying State-wide.”
The Premier acknowledged the continuing work of the Anti-Cyberbullying Advisory Committee chaired by legal academic from the Queensland University of Technology, Peter Black.
