As the year begins, many older Australians are looking for better ways to keep in touch with friends, family and meet others who share similar interests. As part of the Be Connected program, eSafety has just released a helpful course that introduces older Australians to social media and shows how to safely use Facebook.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said that close to 45 per cent of people in their 70s have never messaged or chatted on social media.
“Social media offers a really powerful way for older Australians stay in touch with friends and family,” she said. “Physical distancing has hit older Australians especially hard and they are keen to see what’s happening in the lives of loved ones, via social media, if they cannot be there in person.”
“We know a lot of older Australians are concerned about creating an online profile. The course is really helpful as it gives great tips on how to make seniors’ venture into the world of social media a safer one.”
The course gives an overview of the major social media platforms and what they are used for. It shows learners how to safely set up a Facebook account, understand privacy settings, search for friends and interest groups, make their first online post and more.
Visit the Be Connected website to see the course.
The Be Connected website, managed by eSafety, provides free information, learning modules and webinars designed to empower them to safely use the internet and digital technology. Be Connected is a joint initiative between the Department of Social Services, as the lead agency, eSafety and Good Things Foundation. Check out the website today at beconnected.esafety.gov.au.
Background information:
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner promotes online safety education for Australian young people, educators and parents. It also provides a complaints mechanism for young people who experience serious cyberbullying, and for Australians to report illegal or offensive online content.