Paul Neville Calls on Parents, Teachers to Take Part in Review of Online Safety for Children
30-January-2012
Paul Neville MP -
Federal Member for Hinkler Paul Neville is calling on local parents and carers to help shield children from online predators by getting involved with the Coalition’s new Online Safety Working Group.
Mr Neville said the group would be working with technology, education and cyber-safety leaders, parents and young people, as well as other interested parties, to further develop its online safety policy in the areas of education, regulation and enforcement.
“One of the best ways to tackle online predators is to give parents and carers more information about protecting the children and young people in their lives from such activities,” he said.
“It is estimated that 2.2 million Australian children regularly interact with others online, a staggering number in anyone’s books, and my concern is that many parents aren’t equipped to deal with this challenge.
“We know that many children have been tormented by online bullying and there are real issues about privacy and young people having access to sites which are inappropriate for them.”
“The modern online environment is not just websites and email. It now includes interactive activities like social media sites, SMS messaging, skype, apps and games. The internet is no longer just accessible through the household PC, but is accessed through ipods, tablets, game consoles and phones.”
“Many of the parents and teachers I speak to feel trapped by the changes that are occurring. On one hand they know that today’s children and young people will grow up in a world interconnected as never before, and on the other hand, they rightly feel concerned about the risks and vulnerabilities children and young people face online.”
“The children and teenagers of today are the first generation of young people that will grow up with the internet and social media as an integral part of the way they live, learn and communicate.”
“In forming this Working Group, the Coalition is not seeking to repeat Labor’s ham-fisted attempt to put a filter on the internet or to hinder the dynamic nature of the online environment, but we do want to help and equip parents and teachers in their work of protecting our children and preparing them for adulthood.
“I am asking parents, carers and teachers to let me know their experiences in dealing with the challenge of protecting their own children or pupils from the dangers of the internet, so that they can help the Working Group make the best recommendations.”
Parents, carers and teachers wanting to make submissions to the Working Group should send their thoughts to p.neville.mp@aph.gov.au, using the words ‘Online Safety Group’ in the subject bar.
The Online Safety Working Group will report back by the middle of the year.