Australia’s eSafety Commissioner today released a new global information booklet to help parents and carers of preschool-aged children around the world start the important conversation about online safety.
The world-first, downloadable booklet addresses a gap in early childhood online safety education available internationally and reinforces positive messages for young children to be safe, be kind, ask for help and make good choices when on the internet.
“We want parents and carers, both here and overseas, to know that when it comes to educating their children about online safety, itis never too early to start” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said.
“It is important to lay the foundations for safer online experiences early and to lead by example when it comes to our online habits.If we teach children the skills to protect themselves early – it will serve them well and help keep them safe their entire lives.”
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said “Research shows that children as young as two are using the internet. The internet can be a valuable educational resource so it is important parents and carers are equipped to help their children use it safely. The eSafety Commissioner’s information booklet is an important initiative with practical tools and advice to help children navigate the online world safely right from the start.”
As well as offering helpful advice for parents and carers around screen time limits, useful tips on using parental controls and security settings, and links to safe content, the resource also includes a fun puzzle activity to help children think about how to explore the internet safely.
“What kid doesn’t love a puzzle? This activity is a great way for kids to learn about online safety and have fun at the same time,” Ms Inman Grant said.
The resource complements eSafety’s Early Years program for local parents and educators, and will be shared extensively with key partners around the world, including the Global Alliance to End Violence Against Children, UNICEF, World Childhood USA, the WePROTECT Global Alliance, the Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood Development and Childhood Education International.
The new global booklet and activity can be found at www.esafety.gov.au/international-parents