Older Australians are continuing to expand their digital skills as the Australian Government’s Be Connected program marks its two millionth learner – and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Be Connected steps learners through cyber safety essentials and builds technical skills through easy-to-understand courses on topics like online banking, shopping and connecting with others online, helping many make the most out of getting online and staying connected with friends and family.
The program’s success is underpinned by a productive partnership combining both online and in-person help to ensure that no matter someone’s digital skill level, they are supported in accessing and safely navigating all the benefits the online world has to offer at their own pace.
This is achieved by the continual development of engaging and audience-focused content by experts at the eSafety Commissioner, and the creation of an unparalleled community-based network by Good Things Foundation Australia.
The Be Connected website, managed by eSafety, is a one-stop-shop with more than 630 free resources providing a treasure-trove of free information, self-paced courses, webinars and more designed to empower older Australians to safely use the internet and digital technology.
This includes translated resources, interactive practice areas, topical articles and a podcast aimed at providing meaningful resources all the way from those at the beginning of their online journey with limited digital literacy, through to older Australians interested in expanding their skills and taking on more intermediate topics.
Good Things Foundation Australia manage grants to a range of community organisations to deliver free one-on-one and group sessions, and loan digital devices to older Australians.
There are over 3,800 Be Connected Community Network Partners across Australia which include a wide range of community organisations, aged care providers, libraries, cultural diversity groups, disability support organisations and men’s sheds. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said Be Connected continued to play an important role in helping improve the digital literacy of all Australians, making the online world a safer, more positive place for us all to enjoy.
“Technology has a wonderful ability to connect, enable and empower individuals, and we must ensure older Australians are not only included in our increasingly online world, but that they feel confident benefiting from it,” she said.
“It’s difficult for anyone to stay on top of the continually evolving digital landscape as new technologies emerge. For older Australians, who may not feel as comfortable as people who have been online their whole lives, Be Connected’s vast resources help develop confidence and skills to explore and embrace online life safely.
“Reaching 2 million learners since the program’s launch in 2017 shows that people are interested in learning more and getting involved with technology. Be Connected has developed to become a great resource we can share with our loved ones no matter their age or digital skill level. By providing tailored information and advice to build digital literacy skills, we can help everyone connect with their friends and family, access online entertainment and use the important and essential services that matter to them.”
Jess Wilson, CEO of Good Things Foundation Australia, said a great strength of the program is that it gives older Australians both the confidence and the capacity to feel connected and really make the most of technology.
“This program is not just about technology, but helping over 50s to participate in society today,” she said.
“With the emergence of new technologies like AI and the continued digitalisation of so many aspects of life, we need to make sure that everyone has essential digital skills so they don't get left behind. Our national network of 3,800 diverse community network partners is vital to the success of Be Connected because they provide over-50s with a friendly, trusted space to
learn.
“Supporting the community sector with resources, training and grant funding has been essential and over the last seven years we have distributed $30m in small grant funding to community organisations all over Australia to build their capacity to deliver digital literacy programs. We are thrilled that we can continue this work over the next four years, to support people in the community to be confident, safe and connected online.”
Be Connected also includes an intergenerational initiative – Young Mentors – enabling secondary school students to take on the role of digital mentors, allowing them to develop their teaching, communication, and problem-solving skills while making a valuable contribution to the digital inclusion of older people.
While two million people being reached through this program is cause the celebrate, there are many more older Australians who still need support to be connected confidently and safely.
The Australian Government recently extended the Be Connected program through to 2028 to continue this important work in helping to narrow the digital divide.
To boost your digital literacy skills and find a Be Connected Community Network Partner near you, visit the Be Connected website: beconnected.esafety.gov.au
More information is available from the Minister for Social Services media release.
More information for editors:
- The Be Connected initiative is developed and implemented in partnership by the Department of Social Services, the eSafety Commissioner and Good Things Foundation Australia, committed to improving the digital confidence, skills and safety of older Australians.
- With face-to-face learning a crucial part of the program, Good Things Foundation Australia initially aimed to support 2,000 local organisations that serve their communities to deliver the program. There are now 3,800 community network partners nationwide assisting older Australians to learn essential online skills through Be Connected.
- Research shows 70% of over 65s do not feel confident to keep up with technology as it rapidly changes around us.
- A 2020 evaluation of Be Connected demonstrated its impressive impact in creating a social return on investment of $4.01 for every $1 invested.
eSafety
The eSafety Commissioner is Australia’s independent regulator for online safety. Our purpose is to help safeguard all Australians from online harms and to promote safer, more positive online experiences.
eSafety acts as a safety net for Australians experiencing serious cyberbullying, adult cyber abuse or image-based abuse. We can also investigate and remove seriously harmful illegal and restricted content, including online child sexual exploitation material. Find out more: eSafety.gov.au
Good Things Foundation Australia
Good Things Foundation Australia is a social change charity helping people to improve their lives through digital. Good Things Foundation Australia is the national Be Connected Network and grants program manager, building capacity through community network partners to deliver this program to older Australians: goodthingsfoundation.org.au
For more information and to arrange an interview please contact:
eSafety: 0439 519 684 or media@eSafety.gov.au
Good Things Foundation Australia: 0412 461 577 or communications@goodthingsfoundation.org.au