9 February 2016
More than 20,000 students across Australia today are participating in Safer Internet Day through Virtual Classrooms run by the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner.
Minister for Communications Senator Mitch Fifield said Safer Internet Day is a great chance for all Australians to learn how to play their part for a better internet, and with the school term having recently commenced, it was a timely opportunity for teachers to become involved.
“Today, more than 200 schools have signed up to participate in Safer Internet Day through Virtual Classrooms, which educate children how to safely explore the internet,” Minister Fifield said.
“The Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner provides important support for young people, schools and the community all year round and the addition of Safer Internet Day serves to highlight the importance of combating cyberbullying and educating the next generation.”
The Virtual Classrooms presentations compliment other resources designed by the eSafety Commissioner’s office to help students understand the possible consequences of posting images online; be a good bystander; communicate online respectfully; and understand how to report inappropriate material and contact online.
The Cybersmart Detectives resource – an interactive multimedia class activity – will also be run by schools across Australia, helping students aged 9 to 10 explore what may happen if someone reveals too much information online.
An eSafety health check infographic and poster are also available from the eSafety Commissioner’s website to assist schools, families and the community in participating in Safer Internet Day.
The international initiative has more than 90 countries participate in Safer Internet Day. To find out more information, visit www.esafety.gov.au/SID2016 or join the conversation at #SID2016