The Department of Communications and the Arts has launched a national online safety awareness campaign to help Australian parents talk to their children about safety online and how they can keep safe.
The Department said its Online Safety, Start the Chat campaign was the result of widespread concern amongst Australian parents, carers and educators of the risks children and young people faced online, with many unsure of the resources available to help.
In a statement, the Department said the internet was an integral part of the digital lives of young people in Australia, with most engaging in regular online activities to learn, keep in touch with friends and have fun.
“Everybody in a child’s life can play an important role in helping children and young people to have positive and safe online experiences,” the Department said.
It said the awareness raising campaign was launched as part of the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, and aimed at encouraging anyone who cared for or spent time with childrens to ‘start the chat’ about online safety to help manage online risks.
It said the eSafety Commissioner had the tools, tips and advice to help start the conversation, as well as show how to seek help, report an issue, make a complaint or access links to counselling and other support services.
“With technology changing so fast, it’s important to be proactive and talk about online safety early and often,” the statement said.
The Department’s Online Safety, Start the Chat campaign can be accessed at this PS News link.
