Thirty schools to participate in cyber-safety group
The Australian Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy, has confirmed recently that thirty schools will be taking part in the government’s advisory group on cyber-safety.
It has been announced recently by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, that thirty schools are to participate in the government’s advisory group into cyber-safety, which has become a huge issue given the rising number of younger people that now have access to broadband services and therefore spend more time online.
The advisory group is called the Youth Advisory Group, or YAG, and Conroy said that whilst there were already a number of schools participating he was pleased to welcome more, bringing the number of schools involved to thirty. He stated: “I am delighted to welcome the participation of an additional 17 schools in our second year of the Youth Advisory Group on Cyber-safety.”
Conroy stated: “I was impressed with the thoughtful advice the Youth Advisory Group – or YAG – members provided last year on issues such as cyber-bullying, mobile phone safety, privacy, social networking sites and online computer games. The Government’s recent expansion of cyber-safety education, awareness-raising and counselling services was informed by feedback and advice provided by YAG members in 2009. In December I announced a package of measures to improve safety of the internet for families, including an additional $16.6 million to expand the cyber-safety outreach program run by the Australian Communications and Media Authority and the Cyber-Safety Online Helpline. ”
He added: “The additional funding will reduce waiting times for schools to participate in the outreach program, and increase the Cyber-safety Online Helpline operating hours to ensure it is available when children are most at risk. The YAG has now expanded its membership to include primary school students. School students aged 8 to 17 years will have the opportunity to advise the Government on cyber-safety issues currently faced by their peers. The Government recognises that young Australians need to be involved in the development of effective responses to cyber-safety risks. I look forward to working with the YAG again in 2010.”
Source – Minister.dbcde.gov.
