New ACMA web site to make kids, teens, parents and teachers 'cybersmart'

Stuart Corner
Monday, 13 July 2009 08:01

IT Industry - Strategy

The ACMA has launched its Cybersmart website to provide a range or resources to protect young people from the perils of the Internet and billed as "an important initiative under the Australian Government's Cybersmart education programme."

The site (www.cybersmart.gov.au ) is designed to serve as a single access point for cybersafety advice across a range of target audiences: children, parents, libraries and schools. The ACMA says it "includes comprehensive and practical advice for parents, interactive learning activities for children and information about safe social networking for teens."

A Schools Gateway offers a range of resources for teachers, including guides to assist schools address cybersafety issues, information about how children and young people of different ages engage with online technologies, teaching resources and links to education department guidelines.

Another feature is an online helpline for young people who have had negative experiences online, such as cyberbullying. The helpline offers confidential advice and support from counsellors who are trained in listening to children and have expertise in cybersafety.

The gateway also provides online booking for the ACMA's free and accredited professional development programme for educators, Cybersafety Outreach.

According to the ACMA," The construction of Cybersmart.gov.au was informed by the ACMA commissioned research – Click and Connect – to focus content on the cybersafety concerns, messages and advice most relevant across a range of target audiences." ACMA acting chairman, Chris Cheah, said: "The demand for the programme within the education community is strong - with over 1350 educators accredited since February 2009."