Safer Internet Day 2009: Social networking and cyberbullying
Safer Internet Day is an annual international event which aims to raise awareness about safe and responsible use of new technologies—especially among children and young people. Organised by Insafe, the European internet safety network, Safer Internet Day will take place on Tuesday 10 February 2009. The event will concentrate on two themes: social networking and cyberbullying.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority will mark Safer Internet Day with a number of student-focused activities. These include a ‘Hot Seat’ in Super Clubs PLUS and the launch of Cybersmart Detectives to all New South Wales schools. Schools can initiate their own internet-safety themed activities to tie in with the event.
For more information on Safer Internet Day please email cybersafety@acma.gov.au. For copies of internet safety resources please call 1800 880 176.
- What is Safer Internet Day?
- What activities are planned to celebrate Safer Internet Day in Australia?
- How can schools and individuals become involved?
Safer Internet Day—Background information
What is Safer Internet Day?
Safer Internet Day is an annual event, which will next take place on 10 February 2009. It is organised by Insafe, the European internet safety network.
ACMA works closely with Insafe and coordinates events in Australia to mark the event. In 2009 Safer Internet Day focuses on social networking and cyberbullying.
What activities are planned to celebrate Safer Internet Day in Australia?
ACMA has organised a number of activities in which interested schools may participate:
- the NSW launch of Cybersmart Detectives
- a Hot Seat in SuperClubs PLUS Australia
- two forums for secondary school students
Joining the online forums
The forums, focusing on e-security and social networking allow students to ask an experienced advisor internet safety questions.
For information about the forums and how to register students please contact
Lisa Wait, Cybersafety Education Advisor at ACMA on 03 9963 6763 or lisa.wait@acma.gov.au.
Cybersafety video - Block Bullying online
To empower children and young people the European Commission has launched a video clip on cyberbullying, one of the most frequent problems young people encounter on the internet.
View Block Bullying online (WMV 3.0Mb)
How can schools and individuals become involved?
Interested schools, organisations and individuals can host their own internet safety activities on the Safer Internet Day themes. These may be held in the classroom, library, community centre, online or at home. ACMA’s internet safety educational programs and resources provide valuable materials which can support these activities.
For more information on Safer Internet Day please email cybersafety@acma.gov.au. For copies of internet safety resources please call 1800 880 176.
How can I encourage support for internet safety?
Interested schools, organisations and individuals can encourage internet safety by promoting Safer Internet Day throughout their organisation and networks. Working with a broad network of participants will help to raise the profile of the event and the right of every child to enjoy safe and rewarding internet experiences.
Participants can encourage support by:
- promoting Safer Internet Day on their website, including the Safer Internet Day banner and linking to key information
- including articles promoting Safer Internet Day in e-newsletters, forums and print publications
- including event information in internal communications and to the participant’s network.
Where can I get more information?
For more information on Safer Internet Day please email cybersafety@acma.gov.au. For copies of internet safety resources please call 1800 880 176.