Telstra supports Facebook-style "safe and educational" site for kids

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Monday, 15 September 2008 09:07

Opinion and Analysis

The alert Mr Pfahlert said new cyber technologies provide many exciting learning and communication opportunities, but there are also some potential problems.

"Increasingly parents and the wider community are becoming aware of issues such as cyber-bullying and harassment and identity theft which place the safety and well-being of children and young people at risk.

"SuperClubsPLUS Australia is a fantastic initiative as it takes out the risk factor completely and ensures children are safe, and all their interaction is monitored when they go online," Mr Pfahlert said.

Dr Martyn Wild added that: "What SuperClubsPLUS Australia means for children is that they can communicate, express themselves, and learn in a fun, social and interactive way. These kids are learning even when they don't know they are.

"What it means for parents is that they can feel assured that their children are engaging in an online environment that is safe and moderated at all times.”

The Telstra Foundation said that its support of SuperClubsPLUS Australia is “part of a wider, $3 million focus on cyber safety.”

Access to SuperClubsPLUS Australia is required through primary schools.

Parents are encouraged to ask their children's school if they have registered for SuperClubsPLUS Australia or are planning to.

Visit the SuperClubsPLUS website site for more information, a site that sounds perfect for preparing today's children for the ever evolving cyber-age, adding that extra level of in-school education to supplement whatever online safety education parents are (or aren't) already providing their children.