ACMA Gives Teachers Heads-Up On Cyber Safety

  • Cybersafety initiative covers bullying/sexting
  • Also loks into e-security
  • Aussie experts give opinions

The Australian Communications and Media Authority today released a national online professional development program, Connect.ed, designed to train teachers how to protect students from potential online dangers.

The initiative, called Connect.ed, addresses the cybersafety needs of children in Australia, says the ACMA.

The Connect.ed program covers:

  • cyberbullying
  • sexting
  • excessive internet use
  • mobile use
  • e-security
  • managing your digital reputation
  • digital profiling

Connect.ed also advises teachers on what young people of all ages are doing online and draws on Australian experts in the cybersafety field, as well as on teachers and students themselves.

“Through the online world, young people have access to an extraordinary amount of information and images, yet many do not have the guidance and direction required to satisfactorily and responsibly manage their online experiences,” said ACMA chair Chris Chapman.  “While children seem to embrace every new development in communications, the reality is that both teachers and parents find it challenging to keep up with modern technology. Connect.ed is designed to help them meet that challenge.”

Connect.ed also provides the ACMA with the opportunity to reach casual relief teachers and teachers in regional and remote areas who may otherwise miss out on the training they need to protect their students.