Every parent wants to protect their children from harm. It is made all the more challenging with our children exposed to the internet. While the internet has transformed our lives, there are potential risks and dangers. These include inappropriate content, predators, online bullying and theft and privacy risks.
An estimated 2.2 million Australian children actively engage online via computers, game consoles and mobile devices like smart phones. Many parents feel they are ill-equipped to protect their children from the dangers of using the internet and the risks of social media.
Recognising this, the Coalition has established an Online Safety Working Group to help better equip parents, teachers and other carers to do this. The working group will consult with key technology, education and cyber-safety stakeholders, and parents to further develop its Online Safety Policy.
It will investigate the roles and responsibilities of the Australian Communications and Media Authority, the Australian Federal Police, state police services and internet service providers, and examine evidence of the risks children are exposed to and what measures there are to protect them. Unlike the Labor government, the Coalition will take a consultative approach – we do not believe in censorship of the internet.
Roundtables and community forums will take place in coming weeks. Submissions are also called for and I strongly encourage those with a view, or concerns, to make one.
More details can be found at http://www.tonyabbott.com.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=kYwahzRnEks%3d&tabid=86
As the Coalition’s Regional Education spokesperson, I look forward to working closely with the Working Group on this important matter.
Fiona Nash
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Education
