ACMA supports Cybersmart Detectives
Cybersmart Detective educates kids about internet dangers Aims to reach 100,000 people Some people deliberately partake in risky behaviour online More than 550 students are expected to participate in the Cybersmart Detectives activity, which will be supported by police, teachers and online safety experts from around Australia.
Schools are participating from every state and territory (except Tasmania, where school holidays are underway). They include schools from: Griffith, ACT; Coolum Beach, Qld; Larrakeyah, NT; Pymble, NSW; Eudunda, Glenburnie and Glenelg, SA; Glen Iris, Wheelers Hill and Mortlake, Vic; and Bunbury, WA.
The ACMA’s highly successful Cybersafety Outreach program will further support National Child Protection Week with more than 50 cybersafety presentations to students, parents and teachers during the week to raise awareness about online safety and ways to handle issues. ‘The internet offers an exciting world of opportunity for young people. However, it can also expose children and young people to very real risks,’ said ACMA Chairman Chris Chapman. ‘While many are aware of cybersafety risks, there is evidence that some young people deliberately engage in risky behaviours and that the tendency to do this rises with age.
‘Cybersmart Detectives educates children about these risks—and how to address them—in an engaging way. The activity helps children learn the skills they need to keep safe and make sound decisions online. Cybersmart Detectives presents children with an internet-themed scenario they can relate to—which helps them to learn about staying safe while having fun,’ he said. ‘The ACMA’s Cybersafety Outreach presentations are another effective tool in helping to communicate key cybersafety messages, with the program already reaching over 100,000 students, staff and parents this year.’
Cybersmart Detectives is a popular activity with teachers and students alike as they present what seems to be a very real scenario to students, in a safe school environment.
