Next phase of ThinkUKnow project unveiled

The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor has recently unveiled the next phase of the ThinkUKnow cyber safety project in Australia in a bid to draw the attention of young people to online safety.

Online safety has become a big issue in Australia and around the world, particularly given the huge level of access that so many younger people have when it comes to broadband these days. Broadband does, of course, have huge benefits for younger people but also comes with its risks, one of which is online safety.

The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor recently unveiled the next phase of the ThinkUKnow cyber safety project, which provides a space specifically targeted at young people in a bid to teach them more about the importance of online safety. He unveiled the new phase of the project whilst on a recent visit to Croydon Secondary College.

He stated: “There’s no better time to draw young people’s attention to the importance of online safety than this week – National Youth Week. The Australian Federal Police, Microsoft and ninemsn initiative ThinkUKnow is educating parents, teachers and carers about the risks young people face online and how to create a safer online experience. Now there’s a dedicated space for young people to get informed about staying safe in the virtual world.”

He added: “Young people and their parents, carers and teachers, need to realise there are risks online. By recognising these risks, and being armed with facts and advice, young people can be empowered to protect themselves online. The ThinkUKnow website is a great example of how the AFP, Microsoft and ninemsn, are helping to create responsible and well-informed cyber citizens. The Gillard Government is serious about preventing the exploitation of children online, and ThinkUKnow is one part of creating responsible and well-informed cyber citizens.”

Source – Minister Home Affairs