COALITION MOVES TO PROTECT CHILDREN ONLINE

Liberal Senator for the ACT, Gary Humphries, has been appointed as a member of a newly formed online Coalition working group aimed at assisting parents, carers and teachers to better protect children and young people from the risks associated with the internet and social media.

Senator Humphries joins Coalition colleagues from across the country to develop strong policy that will protect children from the risks of inappropriate or illegal online activity.

“As with any new frontier, there are opportunities and dangers”, Senator Humphries said today.

“Children are able to connect with the world, often from their own bedrooms, and we need to ensure we have appropriate mechanisms in place for our young people to feel safe online.”

The working group announced by the Leader of the Opposition today will consult with key technology, education and cyber-safety leaders, parents and young people, as well as other interested parties, to further develop its online safety policy in the areas of education, regulation and enforcement.

“I’m really looking forward to working with stake-holders and industry professionals to develop strong policy to help our children use the internet in the best way possible, without fear of cyber crime or online bullying.

“Part of making sure our children are safe is also ensuring teachers, parents and community leaders have the knowledge they need to be able to mentor children to use the internet confidently.”

The Online Safety Working group will report to the Opposition Leader by mid 2012.

“As a parent of two teenage boys, I know that online safety and awareness can weigh heavily on a parent’s mind, so we need to do everything we can to ensure the internet is the safest place for our children to venture into”, Senator Humphries concluded.

27 January 2012