As part of its national cybersafety education program, the Australian Communications and Media Authority provides information and activities for children, parents, teachers and library staff.
The program aims to give children, and their parents and carers, sound advice on how best to manage online risks, so their experiences are safe and positive.
Recognising the important role that public libraries play in providing internet access and educating users, ACMA has produced a range of resources targeted to library staff.
The resources were developed in conjunction with the Australian Library and Information Association and Australian public libraries. The materials aim to complement existing policies in libraries and provide additional resources and support to library staff.
The Cybersmart Guide for Library Staff provides library staff with the information, support and tools to effectively promote internet safety in Australian public libraries—especially for children. The guide is complemented by information for families, in the Cybersmart Guide for Families - Safe internet use in the library and at home, a cyber rules poster for young internet users and a series of online cybersafety videos.
The resources include:
- The Cybersmart Guide for Library Staff (2.83 mb)
- The Cybersmart Guide for Families (1.77 mb)
- A Cyber rules poster (832 kb)
Additional copies of the guides and posters are available.
In addition, four internet safety information videos cover a range of issues relevant to library staff.
Video 1. How to use the program materials (21 mb, approx. 6 mins)
Includes an overview of the program materials, how to manage risks and challenges and how to effectively communicate key cybersafety messages.
Video 2. Promoting safe internet use in the library (18 mb, approx. 6 mins)
Includes internet basics, how to assist young users to have positive online experiences and how to report or make a complaint.
Video 3. Online safety issues—Part 1 (27 mb, approx. 7 mins)
Includes information on exposure to inappropriate material, cyberbullying, privacy and private information, unreliable information and issues experienced through social networking sites.
Video 4. Online safety issues—Part 2 (22 mb, approx. 6 mins)
Includes information on online scams, spam, pop-ups and provides contacts for additional information.
For more information or advice on specific internet safety issues visit:
www.netalert.gov.au
www.cybersmartkids.com.au
or contact the National Internet Safety Helpline on 1800 880 176.