Truss invites parents and teachers to have their say on online safety
31st January, 2012
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss is encouraging parents and teachers to participate in the Liberal and National Parties Online Safety Working Group. The group has been established by the Federal Coalition to make recommendations to help protect children and young people from the risks associated with the internet and online social media.“We need to do more to protect children from cyber bullying and educate them about the risks they can be exposed to when they go online,” Mr Truss said.
“The new Coalition Online Safety Working Group will consult with key technology, education and cyber-safety leaders, parents and young people, as well as other interested parties, to further develop online safety policies in the areas of education, regulation and enforcement.
“We want the internet to provide a safe and dynamic environment which encourages learning and social interaction in a safe and secure way,” Mr Truss said.
“Parents, carers and teachers are being asked to share their experiences of protecting their own children or pupils from the dangers of the internet with the Working Group.”
It is estimated that 2.2 million Australian children actively engage online.
“The online environment extends from websites and email, to interactive social media sites, SMS messaging, skype, apps and games. The internet is accessible through an increasing array of technology including computers, ipods, tablets, game consoles and phones.
“It is important that policies in this evolving and dynamic area keep pace with the rapid rate of technological change. 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.”
The Online Safety Working Group will be chaired by the Member for Bradfield, Paul Fletcher MP and will report back to the Federal Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Tony Abbott MHR and senior shadow ministers by the middle of the year.
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.
