Conference: Cybersafety and wellbeing solutions for schools

Media Statement

13 August 2009

• Cyberbullying is increasingly becoming a danger to young people. It can have devastating effects as we've seen with the recent incidents.

• Recent research shows up to 10% of Australian children in upper primary and secondary schools experience cyberbullying.[1]

• This is one reason why The Alannah and Madeline Foundation is developing a national Cybersafety and Wellbeing Initiative, which will support schools to tackle cyberbullying, as well as other issues such as 'sexting', the risk of being targeted by sexual predators, unethical use and download of copyright materials, access to inappropriate content, identity fraud and a range of other 'cyber' risks.

• The initiative will help schools develop policies and practices to encourage students, teachers and parents to use technology in a smart, safe and responsible manner.

• It will point schools to teaching resources on cybersafety, but also to resources that help them make the links between technology and wellbeing issues.

• Schools will have to provide evidence that they are actively implementing cybersafety policies and evaluating the effectiveness of what they are doing.

• The development of the initiative is informed by a number of cybersafety experts from across Australia.

• The initiative will be piloted in a handful of schools later this year. We expect to be ready to release it more widely in 2010.

• Seed funding was secured in late 2008 from a range of supporters, including the Victorian Government. A national pilot has been funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

'Important to remember though that this is an issue of behaviour, more than it is of technology. We really need to get serious about behaviour and support schools to focus on building a culture of respect and caring in addition to teaching the traditional academic subjects.'

Dr Judith Slocombe CEO, The Alannah and Madeline Foundation

'The Alannah and Madeline Foundation is about to pilot our Cybersafety and Wellbeing Initiative: a framework which helps school communities develop policies and practices that encourage students teachers and parents to use mobile phone and computer technology more safely and more effectively.

Technology plays and extremely important role in the lives of children and young people, and it has many important benefits. However, there are risks which young people need to be aware of and protected from: risks such as cyberbullying, online sexual predation and identity theft to name just a few.

It is also really important for young people to be aware of their own behaviour online and to think about if what they are posting, sharing with others or downloading is appropriate. Kids need to understand that everything they do with technology leaves a trace, a 'digital footprint'. A good tip for young people is, when in doubt about whether to say or post something online, use the 'school assembly' rule: if you wouldn't want something held up, read out or displayed at your school assembly, it's safer not to text, post, email or chat about it over your phone or the internet.

Young people need to be smart, safe and responsible when using technology. There are some great websites out there with some really useful tips for parents, teachers and kids.'

Jackie Van Vugt, Cybersafety Manager, The Alannah and Madeline Foundation.

About The Alannah and Madeline Foundation

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation is a national charity keeping children safe from violence and its devastating impact. We care for children who experience or witness serious violence; develop programs which help prevent violence in the lives of young people; and play an advocacy role as a voice against childhood violence. For more information about the Foundation visit www.amf.org.au

Media enquiries

Please contact:

Kristina Garla

Communications Manager

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation

0409 700 192