To young people in Australia, the online world is a place where the virtual and the real collide. For many teenagers, the internet and mobile phone are their social lifeline. Online technologies are so important to them that teens’ online and offline friendships may be lost if they are not able to text or post on social forums. 

While the online world has the potential to provide a positive platform for entertainment and learning, there are risks. These include cyberbullying, inappropriate contact, identity theft, scams and exposure to adult content. These issues exist for all children, from pre-schoolers who are only starting to use a computer, to more experienced teens.
 
To help minimise and address these risks, the Cybersmart program offers a comprehensive range of information and resources about cybersafety designed to meet the needs of teachers, library staff, parents and children. Cybersmart is a national cybersafety education program provided by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA).

The ACMA’s Cybersmart website is a valuable source of news, activities, resources and information about current cybersafety issues for teachers, students and parents. It provides practical information and advice about how to deal with cybersafety risks and includes videos, tips and a range of activities to engage users of all ages.

The ACMA also provides a substantial and broad-ranging Cybersmart Outreach education program for teachers, students and parents across Australia. These presentations and workshops provide valuable information on the risks confronting children online, as well as giving appropriate tools and strategies to help make experiences with online technologies safe and positive.

All programs and resources are free of charge. Over 262,000 students, parent and teachers have attended a Cybersmart event since 2009.

For more information or specific advice, visit the Cybersmart website: www.cybersmart.gov.au
Telephone: Cybersafety Contact Centre on 1800 880 176
Email: cybersafety@acma.gov.au

Writer Helen Splarn. Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.
Source: Australian Communications and Media Authority. www.cybersmart.gov.au