2012 SAFER INTERNET DAY TODAY
Posted in Media on Tuesday, 7 February, 2012
The 2012 Safer Internet Day today serves as a reminder that more work needs to be done by parents, carers, teachers and regulators to better protect children and young people from the dangers of the internet.
“Many teachers, parents and carers are struggling to keep up with the changing nature of the internet and social media,” The Nationals Member for Mallee John Forrest said.
“Five years ago, the modern online environment was just websites, email and SMS but now it encompasses interactive elements such as social media, skype, facetime, apps and games.
“No longer are parents seeking to control the household PC, but now the internet is accessed through ipods, tablets, game consoles and phones.”
Mr Forrest said parents often feel they cannot keep up with change in a digital world.
“Australian children are growing up on-line and a constant challenge is to protect children from bullying, teaching about privacy and identity theft and protecting children from inappropriate web sites.”
Mr Forrest said the Federal Coalition had formed an Online Safety Working Group to consult with key technology, education and cyber-safety leaders, parents and young people, as well as other interested parties, about ways to improve online safety.
“The Working Group is not seeking to repeat Labor’s ham-fisted attempt to put a filter on the internet or to hinder the dynamic nature of the online environment, but we do want to assist and equip parents and teachers in their work of protecting our children and preparing them for adulthood,” Mr Forrest said.
“Part of this process will be for parents, carers and teachers to let me know of their experiences in dealing with the challenge of protecting children or pupils from the dangers of the internet. The best way is to visit my website www.jforrest.com for personal experiences and also to make a submission to the Coalition’s Online Safety Working Group,” Mr Forrest said.
Mr Forrest can be contacted on 0428 500 186.