Australian Gov’t Gets Cyberbullying Lesson from Students
The US should take notes here… We’re not the only ones dealing with a cyberbullying issue. I’ve read dozens of reports from England and Australia about their problems with the issue. SO, in an effort to make sure they get it right, law makers in Australia have charged students with the task of “filling them in.”
Check out the stories below… but remember, the real root of the cyberbullying problem (aside from kids being kids) is the complacency of parents who don’t care until their child is a victim. Until parents of the bullies care, this problem will never go away…
But PC Pandora will let you know if you have a bully in the house… it’ll also let you know if your child is being bullied by others. And the best part, it works in every house in every country…
May 4, 2009
Students To Advise Gov’t On Cyber-SafetyThe federal government has turned to the nation’s school students for advice on how to best combat emerging threats in cyberspace.
A youth advisory group, made up of 305 students from 15 schools around the country, will contribute to policy development on issues such as cyber-bullying, invasions of privacy and illegal content.
The students, aged 11 to 17, will provide advice via a secure website and at face-to-face meetings.
Communications Minister Stephen Conroy says the formation of the youth advisory group is one part of the federal government’s $125.8 million cyber-safety plan announced last May.
Youth To Advise Government On Cyber-Bullying And Cyber-Threats
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced a group of 305 young Australians to advise Government on online issues such as cyber-bullying.
“Young people are at the leading edge of online experience and can provide valuable advice on emerging problems such as cyber-bullying, invasions of privacy and illegal content.”
“The Youth Advisory Group is a unique opportunity for young people to contribute to policy development by advising the Government on cyber-safety concerns and solutions.”
Senator Conroy today launched the Youth Advisory Group with students from Caroline Springs College in Melbourne’s western suburbs, one of 15 participating schools nationally.
305 secondary school students nationally, aged from 11 to 17, will participate as members of the Youth Advisory Group through a secure website and at face-to-face meetings.
“The National Broadband Network will herald a revolution in education, providing new opportunities for students, teachers and parents across the country,” Senator Conroy said.
“The Government is interested in fostering a safe online environment and helping develop responses to internet risks,” Senator Conroy said.
“A safe online environment helps develop digital confidence, increasing the opportunities for people to benefit from online services.”
The Rudd Government recognises that there is no single solution to the problem of online risks and that a range of measures is required.
The Youth Advisory Group is one part of the Government’s $125.8 million cyber-safety plan announced in May 2008, which includes a comprehensive range of measures such as:
- law enforcement, including 91 extra Australian Federal Police officers;
- education and information measures;
- resources such as help-lines and websites;
- ISP content filtering;
- consultative arrangements with industry, child protection bodies; and
- research to identify possible areas for further action.
Schools participating in the Youth Advisory Group on Cyber-Safety:
- Telopea Park School (ACT)
- The Heights School (SA)
- Ascham School (NSW)
- Rose Bay High School (TAS)
- Cabramatta High School (NSW)
- Caroline Springs College (VIC)
- Monaro High School (NSW)
- St Bede’s College (VIC)
- Sanderson Middle School (NT)
- Wonthaggi Secondary College (VIC)
- Ipswich Girls Grammar (QLD)
- John XXIII College (WA)
- St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace (QLD)
- Narembeen District High School (WA)
- Redcliffe State High School (QLD)
