AFP, Microsoft and Federal Government announce ThinkUKnow program to protect kids online

David Heath
Wednesday, 09 June 2010 14:02

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

Federal Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Brendan O'Connor today announced a strikingly more adept solution to keeping kids safe online than yesterday's 'big red button' from Sen. Conroy.

This morning at Doncaster Primary School, Federal Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Brendan O'Connor announced the full launch of the Think U Know program.

Originally developed in the United Kingdom in 2006 by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, ThinkUKnow is a partnership between the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Microsoft and is supported by NineMSN.

AFP Commissioner Tony Negus noted that 'the Internet is a valuable tool for both parents and children, but like any other part of life, there are some dangers.

'While the Internet provides many benefits, there are people who seek to use the Internet and mobile technologies for criminal purposes and to harm others.'

Stuart Strathdee, Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft  said that 'a national rollout [of the ThinkUKnow program] is important as it provides a significant step towards ensuring the Internet was a safe place for children and families.

'We teach and encourage children to look and listen before crossing the road and the same basic principles apply when it comes to the Internet,' he said.

'Through ThinkUKnow, we're advising parents, carers and teachers to take an active role in their children's inline lives, just as they would in real life.

'Doing simple things, like having the family computer in the living room instead of in a child's bedroom, will go a long way in helping create a safe experience.'