Safer Internet Day

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss, said 2012 Safer Internet Day encourages the safer and responsible use of online technologies, especially by children and young people. “The online environment is changing rapidly and more work needs to be done to ensure that young people’s exposure to the internet is as safe as possible,” Mr Truss said.

“Five years ago, the online environment comprised websites, email and SMS.  Now it has broadened to real time interactive activities including social media, skype, facetime, apps and games. “The range of devices that are used to access the internet has expanded through the use of ipods, tablets, game consoles and phones, making the online environment more difficult to control and supervise.

“Today’s children and young people are growing up in an increasingly interconnected world, which increases the risks and vulnerabilities that children and young people can be exposed to online. “We need to protect and educate them about bullying, privacy and identity theft and ensure that the sites and games they access are appropriate.”

Mr Truss said the Federal Coalition has 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. “It is important that policies in this evolving and dynamic area keep pace with the rapid rate of technological change,” Mr Truss said.  

Parents, carers and teachers can email their submissions to the Working Group at W.Truss.MP@aph.gov.au, using the words ‘Online Safety Working Group’ in the subject line.  Submissions close on Friday, 20th April 2012.

Warren Truss MP
Federal Member for Wide Bay
Leader of The Nationals
7 February 2012
Safer Internet Day

Permanent Link: Safer Internet Day
Publish Date: 08 Feb 12

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