Government supports keeping young Australians safe online

The federal government has committed $6 million to support free access to online safety resources for all Australian schools.

The Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA) welcomed the announcement by the federal Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland.

Schools will have free access to existing digital and media literacy resources offered by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation extended by three years. Students will also have access to a newly developed version of the Foundation’s eSmart Digital Licence+ suitable for students aged five to nine years.

“The online safety of young Australians is a national issue, and it makes sense that we invest in freely available national resources,” said AHISA’s CEO Beth Blackwood.

“Educators, parents and students also benefit from national resources and teacher training offered by eSafety.”

Blackwood said schools play a vital role in helping students acquire the skills they need to navigate the online world, but responsibility for children’s online safety must be shared.

“AHISA commends the Australian Government for its readiness to act on behalf of young Australians,” Blackwood said.

“We appreciate tangible forms of federal government support for the efforts of schools and families, through maintenance of the Office of the eSafety Commission and support for organisations such as the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. We are equally appreciative of the government’s willingness to take legislative and regulatory action to help keep our children safe online.”

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