Online safety important at any age
More than 1,750 students across Australia participated in Cybersmart Networking and Cybersmart Hero activities to mark international Safer Internet Day on 7 February 2012. Another 7,000 students took part in online internet safety awareness presentations, led by Cybersmart’s Outreach program.
This year’s theme was ‘Connecting generations and educating each other’. With ACMA research showing that Australians 65 years and older have increased the time they spend on the internet by 167 per cent in the past six years, now—more than ever—all generations are virtually connected.
‘The virtual world is a unique environment where people of all ages and levels of experience can learn together and from each other,’ said ACMA Deputy Chairman Richard Bean. ‘Tech-savvy young people can teach their grandparents how to use new technologies; while older people can draw on their life experiences to help younger generations stay safe.’
In line with the theme of Safer Internet Day 2012, Cybersmart also provided helpful information specifically for grandparents, designed to help them stay safe online while also educatingtheir grandchildren about online behaviour. All resources, including the poster, lesson plans, videos, blog posts and more can be accessed on the Cybersmart website.
Safer Internet Day is observed in over 70 countries on six continents. The ACMA worked with partners from government, industry and community organisations across Australia to promote the day.
Separate Safer Internet Day-themed activities for Tasmanian schools will be conducted on Tuesday 21 February.
