Young people are at risk of unsafe or aggressive behaviour online and through mobile phones.
Cyberbullying, sexual predation, accessing inappropriate content, being coerced into sending sexually suggestive images, and identity fraud are some of the cyberspace risks facing young people today.
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation's Cybersafety and Wellbeing Initiative aims to make cybersafety a normal part of every young person's life by equipping them to use technologies in ways that protect them from the associated risks.
The development of the initiative is informed by a number of cybersafety experts from across Australia. The first major focus of the initiative is to help schools to create a cultural norm of smart, safe and responsible use of communications technologies. The initiative will:

'It is important to remember that this is an issue of behaviour, more than it is of technology. We really need to get serious about behaviour and support schools to focus on building a culture of respect and caring in addition to teaching the traditional academic subjects.'
Dr Judith Slocombe CEO, The Alannah and Madeline Foundation
TopThe schools' component of the Cybersafety and Wellbeing Initiative is currently in development, with 150 schools across Australia participating in the Pilot. Funding support has been provided by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. We expect to be ready to release the school component more widely in 2010. Our goal is for it to be an integral part of every Australian school.
Schools interested in being involved in the national pilot should download the invitation and contact the Foundation on the email address indicated.
TopFor more information about this initiative, please visit this web page in the near future.
TopThe Cybersmart website provides cybersafety information for young children, teens and parents. It also has an Online Helpline for young people who have had negative online experiences, such as cyberbullying.
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