The Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Education, Senator Fiona Nash, and Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie, encourage the public to have their say on cyber-safety as part of a Coalition’s review of online safety for children.
“With an estimated 2.2 million Australian children actively engaged in online activities, the internet is an important education and communication tool,” Senator Nash said.
“But while the internet creates opportunity, particularly for those once isolated by geography, the modern online environment brings a new set of challenges for parents, teachers and policy makers.
“The use of social networking platforms is increasingly common but there can be issues around privacy, cyberbullying and access to inappropriate material.”
Senator Nash said many parents find it difficult keeping up with fast-moving technology and understanding the dangers and precautions that they could take to protect their children.
“The Coalition is committed to helping parents, carers, teachers and young people deal with online risks,” she said.
Senator McKenzie said she was pleased to be part of the Coalition Online Safety Working Group, formed to further develop the education, regulation and enforcement areas of its online safety policy.
“As a parent and former secondary school teacher and lecturer, I am acutely aware of the risks associated with the internet and social media and am interested in the impact of technology on human relationships,” she said.
“Young people need to be empowered to protect themselves, encouraged to act responsibly online and report any suspicious activities. The Coalition is determined to get the balance right between freedom and safety.”