6 February 2012
‘Connecting Generations and Educating Each Other’—ACMA supports Safer Internet Day 2012
More than 7,500 students in 88 schools across Australia will participate in Cybersmart Networking, Cybersmart Hero and online Internet Safety Awareness Presentations to mark International Safer Internet Day on 7 February 2012.
The Day’s theme for this year is ‘Connecting Generations and Educating Each Other,’ and in line with that Cybersmart is providing helpful information specifically for grandparents. The ACMA’s Communications Report 2009-10 revealed that Australians 65 years and older have increased their time spent using the internet by 167 per cent in the past six years. Cybersmart’s information is designed to help older Australians be safe online, while also looking out for their grandchildren.
‘The virtual world is an environment where people of all ages and levels of experience can learn together and from each other,’ said ACMA Deputy Chairman, Richard Bean. ‘Young people can teach their grandparents how to use new technologies, while older people can draw on their life experiences to help their younger friends and relatives stay safe.’
Cybersmart’s key messages for schools, libraries and families this Safer Internet Day are:
- Talk about online safety—with all members of your family and school community
- Protect your privacy—check your privacy settings and update your software
- Educate yourself about the online world—check out the Cybersmart resources
To coincide with Safer Internet Day, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator Stephen Conroy has released a printable version of the recently launched Easy Guide to Socialising Online website. The Easy Guide provides information on the cybersafety features of 26 different social networking sites, search engines and online games.
Safer Internet Day is held in more than 60 countries and recognised across Europe, North America, South America and the Asia-Pacific region. The ACMA will be working with partners from government, industry and community organisations across Australia to promote Safer Internet Day.
For more information about Cybersmart visit www.cybersmart.gov.au.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Emma Rossi, Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7719, 0434 652 063 or media@acma.gov.au.
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The ACMA is Australia’s regulator for broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and telecommunications. The ACMA’s strategic intent is to make communications and media work in Australia’s public interest. For more information: www.acma.gov.au.
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