Qld govt pledges $1m to promote cyber safety through schools
Subsidised cyber safety resources are set to reach hundreds of Queensland schools as part of a state government initiative with Dolly’s Dream and the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.
The partnership will see the government devote $1 million and Dolly’s Dream $300,000 to the implementation and distribution of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s eSmart programs and resources across the state.
It comes after the Queensland Anti-Cyberbullying Taskforce recommended the Queensland Government “deliver evidence-based, whole-school programs that: promote social and emotional competencies among students, include evaluation programs of impact and provide professional development for teachers”, according to the government’s progress report.
Up to 400 schools are set to receive the Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s eSmart Digital Licences and teacher resources, “specifically designed” for Prep to Year 9 students over the next four years. One hundred schools will access the eSmart Schools Framework Program, which aims to “support a positive and inclusive culture, improve cyber safety and help reduce cyberbullying and bullying”.
Schools selected to participate in the program can also access two cyberbullying and bullying workshops, aimed at students, parents and teachers, according to the Queensland Department of Education’s website.
The interactive programs “represent a combined value of up to $6,000 per school”, with selected schools also expected to receive $5,500 to support implementation.
“Cyberbullying means the troubles young people experience through the day don’t end at the school gate,” Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“We want to see responsible and capable school students who are safe from bullying,” she said.
“This is just one of the ways we can reach all corners of our state and further educate our children that cyberbullying is unacceptable, it’s hurtful and it’s dangerous.”
The initiative will prioritise rural and regional schools; however, the government invited all Queensland schools to apply.
Applications are open until 15 March 2020.
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