A new program will educate Trainee teachers on how to monitor and manage cyber-bullying. The program from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will build on the Cybersmart Internet Safety Awareness presentations which have been presented to over 50,000 teachers, parents and students. A pilot of the program is currently being trialled at the Australian Catholic University.

Chris Cheah, acting chair of the ACMA, described the new program. “This new program will equip trainee teachers with the skills they will need to manage cyber safety education and awareness issues in Australian schools today,” Mr Cheah said. “Teachers-in-training also need access now to up-to-date knowledge, skills and practical advice on cyber safety as they will go on to teach core safety skills to Australian children.”

The program is part of the Government’s cyber safety plan which also includes the Cybersmart website and the $3 million pilot project aimed at reducing cyber-bullying. The Government also announced a group of over 300 youths will be called upon to advise the Government on cyber-safety issues later in the year.

Writer Tristan Boyd, Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.